What do primary consumers typically eat?

Primary consumers primarily feed on autotrophs, which are organisms that produce their own food through processes like photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Autotrophs include plants, algae, and some bacteria. These primary consumers, often referred to as herbivores, play a crucial role in the food web by converting the energy stored in autotrophs into a form that can be utilized by other organisms, such as secondary consumers.

This relationship is essential for the flow of energy in ecosystems, where primary consumers act as a bridge between the producers (autotrophs) and higher trophic levels, such as secondary and tertiary consumers. By consuming autotrophs, primary consumers help in the cycling of nutrients and energy, supporting the overall health and stability of their ecosystems.