---
title: "Trophic Level — AP Bio Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "A trophic level is an organism's feeding position in a food chain, and AP Bio tests how energy drops about 90% between each level. Learn why and how it shows up."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-bio/key-terms/trophic-level"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Biology"
---

# Trophic Level — AP Bio Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

A trophic level refers to the position of an organism in a food chain or food web, indicating its feeding relationships and energy transfer from one level to another.

## Review

### Related Terms

- Producer: Organisms at the first trophic level that convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.
- Primary Consumer: Organisms at the second trophic level that directly consume producers for energy.
- Secondary Consumer: Organisms at the third trophic level that feed on primary consumers for energy.