Primary consumers

Primary consumers are herbivores that directly eat producers, which are typically plants or algae. They occupy the second level in a food chain. Examples include rabbits, deer, and caterpillars. These animals play a vital role in transferring energy from the plants they consume to higher levels of predators. Their actions help regulate plant populations and maintain balance within ecosystems. Without primary consumers, energy flow from producers to other animals would be disrupted, affecting the overall health and stability of the environment.