Ecology and Food Chains

Autotrophs

• Organisms that produce their own food using sunlight during photosynthesis.

Consumers

• Heterotrophs: Organisms that feed on producers directly or indirectly.

Primary Consumers

• Animals that feed directly on plants.

Secondary Consumers

• Animals that feed on primary consumers.

Tertiary Consumers

• Secondary consumers are in turn fed on by tertiary consumers (e.g., leopard).

Quaternary Consumers

• Tertiary consumers are fed on by quaternary consumers (e.g., vultures).

Decomposers

• Organisms that cause decomposition (e.g., saprophytic bacteria and fungi).
• Break down organic matter from producers and consumers.