Question

Although they differ in their mode of action on resource populations, predators, herbivores, and parasites are alike in that they are considered_______________.

a) Primary consumers
b) Keystone species
c) Top predators
d) Consumers
e) Trophic intermediates

Answer 1

All three—predators, herbivores, and parasites—are considered consumers, as they all feed on other organisms for energy, but fall into different categories within the consumer classification.

Step-by-step explanation:

Predators, herbivores, and parasites, despite their different impacts on resource populations, all fit into the category of consumers. This is because each of these organisms consumes other organisms for energy. Herbivores, such as deer, eat plants and are thus classified as primary consumers. Carnivores, such as wolves, may eat other carnivores or herbivores and can be secondary or tertiary consumers, depending on their diet. Parasites, which also derive their nutrition from other living organisms, can be found at various levels of the food chain, feeding off both primary and secondary consumers.

A correct example of each type of consumer would be:

• Herbivore: A deer eating plants (primary consumer)
• Predator: A wolf eating a deer (secondary consumer)
• Parasite: A flea feeding on a deer (consumer at an intermediate trophic level)