Which one is a secondary consumer ?

Options

A. Photoautrotrophs
B. Parasites
C. Omnivores and phagotrophs
D. Saprotrophs

Answer

To determine which one is a secondary consumer among the given options (photoautotrophs, parasites, omnivores, phagotrophs, or saprotrophs), we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Trophic Levels**:
- The ecosystem is structured in trophic levels. The first level consists of producers (like plants), the second level consists of primary consumers (herbivores), and the third level consists of secondary consumers (carnivores and omnivores).

2. **Identify Producers**:
- Producers, also known as photoautotrophs, are organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis. This includes plants.

3. **Identify Primary Consumers**:
- Primary consumers are organisms that eat producers. These are typically herbivores that feed on plants.

4. **Identify Secondary Consumers**:
- Secondary consumers are organisms that eat primary consumers. These can be carnivores (which eat meat) or omnivores (which eat both plants and animals).

5. **Analyze the Options**:
- **Photoautotrophs**: These are producers (not consumers).
- **Parasites**: These derive nutrients from a host but are not classified as secondary consumers.
- **Omnivores**: These can be secondary consumers as they eat both plants and animals, including primary consumers.
- **Phagotrophs**: These are heterotrophic organisms that ingest other organisms but are not specifically classified as secondary consumers.
- **Saprotrophs**: These feed on decaying organic matter and are not consumers in the traditional sense.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Among the options provided, **omnivores** are classified as secondary consumers because they can consume primary consumers (herbivores) and thus occupy the role of secondary consumers in the food chain.

### Final Answer:
**Omnivores** are the secondary consumers.

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