Summary
Heterotrophs that obtain energy by eating other organisms: primary, secondary and tertiary consumers.
In depth
Herbivores eat plants, carnivores eat animals, omnivores both, and detritivores eat dead organic matter. Primary consumers are herbivores; secondary consumers eat them; tertiary eat secondary.
Feeding mode influences gut length, teeth and behaviour. Omnivores link food chains. Parasites, though small, can account for large biomass in some webs.
Example: the grazing herbivore guild of the Serengeti.
Frequently asked questions
What is Consumers?
Heterotrophs that obtain energy by eating other organisms: primary, secondary and tertiary consumers.
Which area of biology covers Consumers, and how advanced is it?
Consumers is one of the 54 topics in Ecology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Producers, Trophic Levels, Primary Productivity.
Can you give an example of Consumers?
A vulture is a scavenger while an earthworm is a detritivore.
What should I learn before Consumers?
Consumers is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Ecology that pair well with it include Ecology, Ecosystem, Biotic and Abiotic Factors.
What topics are related to Consumers?
The closest topics to Consumers are Producers, Trophic Levels, Primary Productivity, Food Chain. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Consumers?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Consumers. To practise the whole of Ecology, use the Ecology quiz.
How is Consumers different from Producers?
Consumers: Heterotrophs that obtain energy by eating other organisms: primary, secondary and tertiary consumers. Producers: Autotrophs such as plants and algae that make organic compounds from light or chemical energy. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Consumers step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Producers and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Ecology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.