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Feeding Levels 214-1 Describe and apply classification systems and nomenclature with respect to trophic levels in ecosystems • How can we compare food chains in different ecosystems? In order to do this we must think of ecosystems as being made up of several feeding levels, or trophic levels. • Producers (plants) make up the first trophic level. Primary consumers feed at the second trophic level (herbivores). Secondary consumers feed at the third trophic level (carnivores). Many organisms eat a variety of foods and may consume organisms from more than one trophic level. • Most of the energy that enters each trophic level is used by the organisms at that level just to stay alive (to move, breathe, run, etc.). The amount of energy that is transferred from one trophic level to the next varies from 5-20%. • Many organisms do not get eaten until they die. Consumers known as scavengers feed on the bodies of larger dead animals (e.g. vultures, eagles). The bodies of smaller dead animals, dead plant matter and animal dung are food for detritivores. Detritivores also include decomposers such as bacteria and fungi.