Refer to the food web at the top of the page. Which terms describe the mountain lion? Select all that apply. Food Web Wolf Mountain Lion Cat Whiptail Pine Ringtail Eagle Jackrabbit Marten Rat Frog Butterfly Squirrel Deer Nuthatch None 3796/variants/609314/take/8/ A B C D Rat producer Nuthatch primary consumer secondary consumer tertiary consumer Frog Butterfly 20²² Squirrel Deer T
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
In the provided food web, the mountain lion is best described as a tertiary consumer and an apex predator. As a tertiary consumer, it preys on secondary consumers, such as the cat and the ringtail. Being an apex predator, the mountain lion occupies the top of the food chain, with no natural predators of its own. citeturn0search0
Explanation:
A food web illustrates the complex feeding relationships within an ecosystem, showing how energy and nutrients flow through various organisms. Organisms are categorized based on their roles in these energy transfers:
- Producers: Typically plants and algae that produce their own food through photosynthesis.
- Primary Consumers: Herbivores that feed on producers.
- Secondary Consumers: Carnivores that prey on primary consumers.
- Tertiary Consumers: Predators that feed on secondary consumers.
- Apex Predators: Top predators with no natural enemies.
In the given food web, the mountain lion preys on secondary consumers like the cat and the ringtail, placing it in the tertiary consumer category. Additionally, as an apex predator, it has no natural predators, underscoring its position at the top of the food chain. citeturn0search0
Understanding the mountain lion’s role as both a tertiary consumer and an apex predator highlights its significant impact on maintaining the balance and health of its ecosystem.