In a typical freshwater ecosystem, is a frog considered a primary consumer?

• A. No, frogs are producers because they perform photosynthesis.
• B. No, frogs are secondary consumers because they eat insects and other small animals.
• C. Yes, frogs are primary consumers because they feed directly on plants.
• D. Yes, frogs are decomposers that break down dead organic matter.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of trophic levels in an ecosystem. Producers (autotrophs) create their own food through photosynthesis, primary consumers (herbivores) feed directly on producers, secondary consumers (carnivores or omnivores) feed on primary consumers, and decomposers break down dead organic matter.
2. Step 2: Analyze the diet of frogs. Frogs typically eat insects, small animals, and sometimes other frogs, which places them in the category of secondary consumers rather than primary consumers or producers.
3. Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options. Frogs do not perform photosynthesis, so they are not producers. Frogs do not feed directly on plants, so they are not primary consumers. Frogs do not break down dead organic matter, so they are not decomposers.
4. Step 4: Identify the correct classification. Based on their diet, frogs are secondary consumers because they feed on insects and other small animals, which are primary consumers.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is: 'No, frogs are secondary consumers because they eat insects and other small animals.'