Question

Define trophic level.

Answer 1

Trophic Level:

1. The various steps in a food chain or ecological pyramid, at which the transfer of food (or energy) takes place from one organism to another organism is known as trophic levels.
2. Based on the source of their nutrition or food ,organisms occupy a specific place in the food chain.

There are 4 different types of trophic levels :

1. First level of trophic level is formed by the producers, as they produce their own food.
2. Second level of trophic level is formed by the primary consumers (herbivores).
3. Third type of trophic level is formed by the secondary consumers (first carnivores).
4. The fourth trophic level is formed by the tertiary consumers.(second carnivores).

Example : Sun ⇒ Grass ⇒ Grasshopper ⇒ Shrew ⇒ Owl.

1. Here producer is the grass, consumed by grasshopper (primary consumer).
2. The grasshopper is further consumed by Shrew (secondary consumers).
3. The shrew is consumed by an owl (tertiary consumer).