Question

Primary consumers are called

• A. Decomposer
• B. Omnivorous
• C. Carnivorous
• D. Vegetarian

Hint:

Remember the flow of energy in a food chain: Producer \(\rightarrow\) Primary Consumer (Herbivore) \(\rightarrow\) Secondary Consumer (Carnivore/Omnivore).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In an ecosystem, organisms are classified into different trophic levels based on their feeding habits.
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Producers: Organisms that produce their own food, usually through photosynthesis (e.g., plants). } \\ \bullet & \text{Primary Consumers: Organisms that feed on producers. These are also known as herbivores. } \\ \bullet & \text{Secondary Consumers: Organisms that feed on primary consumers. These are carnivores or omnivores. } \\ \bullet & \text{Tertiary Consumers: Organisms that feed on secondary consumers. } \\ \bullet & \text{Decomposers: Organisms that break down dead organic matter (e.g., bacteria, fungi). } \\ \end{array}\]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Primary consumers are organisms that get their energy by eating plants (producers).
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{A carnivore eats other animals. } \\ \bullet & \text{An omnivore eats both plants and animals. } \\ \bullet & \text{A vegetarian or herbivore is an organism that feeds on plants. } \\ \end{array}\] Therefore, primary consumers are vegetarians (herbivores).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Based on the definitions of trophic levels, primary consumers feed on plants and are thus called vegetarians or herbivores.