What is a trophic level? What does it represent in an ecological pyramid? (AS1)

i. The group of organisms that occupy the same level in a food chain is called a trophic level.

ii. For example, in a grassland ecosystem, the different species of grasses are primary producers make up one trophic level.

iii. Similarly different species of grass eating animals (herbivores) are at one trophic level.

a) In ecological pyramid primary producers (green plants) make up the first trophic level.

b) The second trophic level consists of herbivores (plant eating organisms) these organisms get energy by eating primary producers and are called primary consumers.

c) Trophic level three consists of carnivores and omnivores which eat herbivores; these are the secondary consumers.

d) Trophic level four contains carnivores and omnivores which eat secondary consumers and are known as tertiary consumers.