An organism can be described as a tertiary consumer if it eats ____.
A) detritivores
B) secondary producers
C) herbivores and carnivores
D) solely primary consumers
E) producers only

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tertiary consumers are organisms that eat other carnivores or herbivores. Therefore, they consume both primary consumers (herbivores) and secondary consumers (carnivores). Choice A (detritivores) and choice E (producers only) are not correct, as detritivores feed on nonliving organic matter and producers are not consumers. Choice B (secondary producers) and choice D (solely primary consumers) are also not correct, as secondary producers are not consumed by organisms higher up in the food chain and solely consuming primary consumers would make an organism a secondary consumer.

An Organism Can Be Described as a Tertiary Consumer If