An organism contains carbon molecules which have passed through three levels of ecosystem. The organism is

Options

A. primary consumer
B. predator
C. producer
D. tertiary consumer

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Ecosystem Levels**: In an ecosystem, organisms are categorized into different trophic levels based on their feeding relationships. The first level consists of producers (plants), the second level consists of primary consumers (herbivores), and the third level consists of secondary consumers (carnivores that eat herbivores). There can also be a fourth level, known as tertiary consumers, which are carnivores that eat other carnivores.

2. **Identifying the Flow of Carbon**: The question mentions that carbon molecules have passed through three levels of the ecosystem. This indicates that the carbon has been utilized by organisms at different trophic levels.

3. **Tracking Carbon Through the Levels**:
- **First Level (Producers)**: Producers absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and convert it into organic molecules (like glucose) through photosynthesis.
- **Second Level (Primary Consumers)**: Primary consumers (herbivores) consume the producers, taking in the carbon that was fixed by the plants.
- **Third Level (Secondary Consumers)**: Secondary consumers (carnivores) eat the primary consumers, thus obtaining the carbon that has already passed through the first two levels.

4. **Conclusion**: Since the carbon has passed through three levels of the ecosystem, the organism in question must be a tertiary consumer. This is because it is the only level that represents the third stage in the food chain where carbon has been transferred from producers to primary consumers and then to secondary consumers before reaching the tertiary consumer.

**Final Answer**: The organism is a tertiary consumer.

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