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Secondary Consumer

Definition

A secondary consumer is an organism that feeds on primary consumers. They are carnivores or omnivores and obtain energy by consuming other animals.

Analogy

Imagine secondary consumers as the "meat-eaters" of the ecosystem. Just like how some people enjoy eating meat, secondary consumers rely on other animals for their source of energy.

Related terms

Carnivore: An animal that exclusively consumes meat as its main source of energy.

Omnivore: An animal that consumes both plants and animals for its source of energy.

Prey: Animals hunted and consumed by predators.

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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.