An organism typically a carnivore or omnivore that eats primary consumers (herbivores) in a food chain is a

An organism typically a carnivore or omnivore that eats primary consumers (herbivores) in a food chain is a

• A. Primary Producer
• B. Predator
• C. Secondary Consumer
• D. Decomposer

Answer: (C)

When energy moves through an ecosystem, producers capture energy first, followed by primary consumers that eat those producers. An organism that eats primary consumers (herbivores) sits at the next trophic level and is called a secondary consumer. These are usually carnivores or omnivores, since their diet centers on eating animals rather than plants. The term secondary consumer pinpoints its role in the food chain more precisely than the broader label predator. Decomposers, in contrast, break down dead matter and waste, not living herbivores.

When energy moves through an ecosystem, producers capture energy first, followed by primary consumers that eat those producers. An organism that eats primary consumers (herbivores) sits at the next trophic level and is called a secondary consumer. These are usually carnivores or omnivores, since their diet centers on eating animals rather than plants. The term secondary consumer pinpoints its role in the food chain more precisely than the broader label predator. Decomposers, in contrast, break down dead matter and waste, not living herbivores.