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Difficulty: MediumEcology and Environment

In an Arctic tundra ecosystem, reindeer moss produces carbohydrates via photosynthesis, caribou feed on the moss, and arctic wolves prey on the caribou. Which organism functions as the secondary consumer in this food web?

  1. A
    Caribou
  2. B
    Reindeer moss
  3. Arctic wolfAnswer
  4. D
    Decomposing soil fungi

Answer

The arctic wolf functions as the secondary consumer because it preys on herbivores (caribou) that feed on primary producers.
In ecological trophic pyramids, primary producers (reindeer moss) capture solar energy, primary consumers (caribou) consume producers, and secondary consumers (arctic wolves) consume primary consumers. Because the arctic wolf feeds on the herbivorous caribou, it occupies the role of secondary consumer.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary producer that captures energy from the sun.
Reindeer moss produces organic molecules through photosynthesis, occupying the first trophic level as a producer.
Producers form the foundational energy base of ecological food chains.
2
Determine the primary consumer feeding on the producer.
Caribou feed directly on reindeer moss, making them primary consumers (herbivores) at the second trophic level.
Primary consumers are organisms that obtain energy directly from producers.
3
Identify the organism that feeds on the primary consumer.
Arctic wolves consume caribou, making them secondary consumers (carnivores) at the third trophic level.
Secondary consumers obtain their energy by preying upon primary consumers.

Key Concept

Trophic level hierarchy and energy transfer in food webs
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Ecology and Environment

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