Question

question 6 of 10
which of the following is an example of a primary consumer gaining energy?
a. a caterpillar crawling up a leaf
b. a robin swallowing a worm
c. a bear eating a salmon
d. a squirrel eating a nut

Explanation:

• A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers (plants).
• A nut is a product of a plant (producer). When a squirrel eats a nut, it is a primary consumer gaining energy from the producer.
• A caterpillar crawling up a leaf is not gaining energy (it would gain energy by eating the leaf, not just crawling on it).
• A robin (a secondary consumer as worms are usually decomposers or primary consumers depending on context, but robin - eating - worm is a consumer - consuming - another - consumer situation more likely secondary/tertiary).
• A bear eating a salmon (salmon is a consumer, so bear is a secondary/tertiary consumer).

Answer:

D. A squirrel eating a nut