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Ch. 55 - Ecosystems and Restoration Ecology
Chapter 55, Problem 1

Which of the following organisms is correctly paired with a trophic level?


a. cyanobacterium—secondary consumer
b. grasshopper—primary consumer
c. zooplankton—primary producer
d. grass—decomposer

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Trophic Levels

Trophic levels represent the hierarchical positions of organisms in an ecosystem based on their feeding relationships. The primary levels include producers (organisms that create energy through photosynthesis), primary consumers (herbivores that eat producers), secondary consumers (carnivores that eat primary consumers), and decomposers (organisms that break down dead material). Understanding these levels is crucial for analyzing food webs and energy flow in ecosystems.
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Producers and Consumers

Producers, such as plants and cyanobacteria, are organisms that synthesize their own food using sunlight or chemical energy, forming the base of the food chain. Consumers are classified into primary consumers (herbivores) that eat producers, and secondary consumers (carnivores) that eat other consumers. Recognizing the roles of these organisms helps in identifying their correct trophic levels.
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Decomposers

Decomposers, including fungi and bacteria, play a vital role in ecosystems by breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil. They are essential for nutrient cycling and maintaining ecosystem health. Unlike producers and consumers, decomposers do not fit neatly into the traditional trophic levels, as they contribute to the ecosystem's energy flow by decomposing organic material.
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