In a typical desert ecosystem, which trophic level does the roadrunner primarily occupy?

• A. Secondary consumer
• B. Primary producer
• C. Decomposer
• D. Primary consumer

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of trophic levels: Trophic levels represent the position of organisms in a food chain. Primary producers (e.g., plants) create energy through photosynthesis, primary consumers (herbivores) eat plants, secondary consumers (carnivores or omnivores) eat primary consumers, and decomposers break down organic matter.
2. Identify the diet of the roadrunner: Roadrunners are omnivorous birds that primarily feed on insects, small mammals, and reptiles, which are primary consumers in the food chain.
3. Determine the trophic level based on the roadrunner's diet: Since the roadrunner consumes primary consumers, it occupies the secondary consumer trophic level.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: The roadrunner is not a primary producer because it does not create energy through photosynthesis, nor is it a decomposer because it does not break down organic matter. It is also not a primary consumer because it does not primarily eat plants.
5. Conclude that the roadrunner primarily occupies the secondary consumer trophic level in a typical desert ecosystem.