Question

Quaternary consumers are described as:

Options

• Top carnivores that are rare in most ecosystems

• Decomposers that break down dead organisms

• Primary producers that photosynthesize

• Herbivores that feed on plants

Answer 1

Quaternary consumers occupy the fifth trophic level and are top carnivores. Examples include eagles and lions. They are rare in most ecosystems because very little energy remains after transfer through four trophic levels, limiting the population sizes that can be sustained.