AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Primary consumers are usually herbivores (plant-eaters), though they may be algae or bacteria eaters. The organisms that eat the primary consumers are called secondary consumers. Secondary consumers are generally meat-eaters (carnivores). The organisms that eat the secondary consumers are called tertiary consumers.

Detailed explanation-2: -Tertiary consumers eat the secondary consumers. There may be more levels of consumers before a chain finally reaches its top predator. Top predators, also called apex predators, eat other consumers. Consumers can be carnivores (animals that eat other animals) or omnivores (animals that eat both plants and animals).

Detailed explanation-3: -Scientists distinguish between several kinds of consumers. Primary consumers make up the second trophic level. They are also called herbivores. They eat primary producers-plants or algae-and nothing else. For example, a grasshopper living in the Everglades is a primary consumer.

Detailed explanation-4: -Man is an omnivore. He can consume plants and be called as a primary consumer or consume animals like goat and chickens which consume plants and be called as a secondary consumer.

Detailed explanation-5: -Carnivores or carnivorous animals rely on other animals for their food. The carnivorous animals are secondary consumers because: They feed upon the primary consumers or herbivorous animals. Herbivorous animals eat plants so they consume the energy directly from the producers.