Which type of organisms are considered primary consumers?

Primary consumers are organisms that primarily feed on producers, which are typically plants or phytoplankton. Herbivores are classified as primary consumers because they consume plant material to obtain energy. In an ecological food chain, primary consumers are located at the second trophic level, directly above producers, and rely on them for sustenance.

This role is vital in energy transfer within ecosystems as primary consumers convert the energy stored in plants into forms that can be utilized by higher trophic levels, such as carnivores. Understanding this classification helps clarify the flow of energy and the relationships among different species within an ecosystem.