Primary Consumers in AP Environmental Science

Definition

Primary consumers, also known as herbivores, are organisms that feed directly on producers (plants or algae) in an ecosystem. They obtain their energy by consuming plant material.

Related terms

Food Chain: A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients are transferred from one organism to another in an ecosystem. Primary consumers occupy the second trophic level in a food chain.

Grazing: Grazing refers to the act of feeding on vegetation by animals, such as cows or deer. It is a common feeding behavior among many primary consumers.

Trophic Level:

A trophic level represents the position of an organism in a food chain or web based on its source of nutrition. Primary consumers occupy the second trophic level, just above producers.