Question

Which among the following are consumers of the third order?

• A. Herbivores
• B. Carnivores
• C. Top carnivores
• D. Carnivores and herbivores

Answer 1

The correct option is C Top carnivores

A constant input of solar energy is the basic requirement for any ecosystem to function and sustain. Green plants in the ecosystem are producers that trap the solar energy and convert it into chemical energy by the process of photosynthesis.

Producers occupy the base of the pyramid and they produce their own food; the rest in the chain above the first trophic level are heterotrophs.

First order consumers consume producers, second order consumers eat first order consumers and third order consumers eat second order consumers.

This whole system is a part of the food chain. For example, trees produce acorns that a number of organisms can feed on such as squirrels. So here the squirrel (primarily herbivores) is the first order consumer, it consumes acorns to derive energy. The squirrel is then chased by a snake and eaten; here the snake (carnivore) is a second order consumer. Lastly, a hawk (top carnivore) swoops in and eats the snake to derive his energy for survival, which makes the hawk a third order consumer.