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In an ocean ecosystem, the parrotfish feed on marine plants, big fish feed on parrotfish, and sharks feed on the big fish. What role do sharks play in the food chain?

A. Producers
B. Primary consumers
C. Secondary consumers
D. Tertiary consumers
E. Decomposers

Answer :

Final answer:

In the food chain, sharks are classified as tertiary consumers because they feed on big fish, which are secondary consumers. The food chain is structured with producers at the bottom, followed by primary consumers, secondary consumers, and finally, tertiary consumers. This classification helps illustrate the roles different organisms play in an ecosystem.


Explanation:

Understanding Food Chain Dynamics


In an ecosystem, organisms are categorized based on their role in the food chain, which reflects their position in the flow of energy and nutrients. In the example provided, the food chain is as follows:



  1. Marine plants (producers) are eaten by parrotfish (primary consumers).

  2. Parrotfish are then consumed by big fish (secondary consumers).

  3. Finally, big fish are preyed upon by sharks (tertiary consumers).


Given this structure, sharks are classified as tertiary consumers because they are at the top of the food chain, primarily eating other fish. To understand the different roles in a food chain:



  • Producers are organisms like plants that create energy through photosynthesis.

  • Primary Consumers are herbivores that feed on producers.

  • Secondary Consumers are carnivores that eat primary consumers.

  • Tertiary Consumers, like sharks, are carnivores that eat secondary consumers.

  • And lastly, Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.


This hierarchy illustrates the complex interactions that sustain ecosystems and highlight the importance of apex predators like sharks in maintaining ecological balance.


Learn more about food chain here:

https://brainly.com/question/42283491


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