Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Secondary consumers are organisms that primarily consume primary consumers (herbivores). They occupy the third trophic level in an ecosystem's food chain.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Secondary consumers can be carnivores or omnivores.
They play a crucial role in controlling the population of primary consumers.
Examples include wolves, snakes, and spiders.
They are typically found at the third trophic level in an ecological pyramid.
Their energy source is derived from consuming other animals rather than plants.
Review Questions
Related terms
Primary Consumers: Organisms that feed on producers (plants) and occupy the second trophic level.
Tertiary Consumers: Predators that feed on secondary consumers and occupy the fourth trophic level.
Trophic Level: A specific level in a food chain or ecological pyramid occupied by groups of organisms with similar feeding modes.