Which organisms are classified as secondary consumers?

The classification of organisms into primary and secondary consumers is based on their position in the food chain. Secondary consumers are those that feed on primary consumers. Primary consumers are typically herbivores that eat plants or producers. By contrast, secondary consumers are usually carnivores or omnivores that gain energy by consuming these primary consumers. This interaction plays a critical role in food webs, as it helps to transfer energy from the bottom levels (producers) to higher levels in the ecosystem.

In this context, the other options do not align with the definition of secondary consumers. Organisms that eat plants are classified as primary consumers, while those that produce their own food are termed producers or autotrophs. Organisms that decompose dead materials fall into the category of detritivores or decomposers, which play a different ecological role by breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.