GCSE Biology - Trophic Levels - Producers, Consumers, Herbivores & Carnivores #86

The video explains the concept of trophic levels in a food chain, starting with producers like plants that use photosynthesis to create energy. It describes primary consumers as herbivores, secondary consumers as carnivores, and tertiary consumers as higher-level carnivores. Energy transfer between these levels is inefficient, with only about 10% passing to the next level. Apex predators sit at the top of the chain. Omnivores, which consume both plants and animals, and decomposers, which recycle nutrients, are also discussed.

What is the primary role of producers in a food chain?

• To act as apex predators

• To produce energy through photosynthesis

• To decompose dead matter

• To consume other organisms

Why do food chains typically not exceed four or five trophic levels?

• Due to the lack of primary consumers

• Because producers cannot support more levels

• Due to the loss of energy at each trophic level

• Because of the abundance of energy at higher levels

How much energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?

• 5%

• 10%

• 25%

• 50%

What distinguishes omnivores from other consumers in a food chain?

• They only eat plants

• They consume both producers and other animals

• They decompose dead matter

• They are always at the top of the food chain

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

• To act as apex predators

• To recycle nutrients from dead matter

• To consume primary consumers

• To produce energy through photosynthesis