ProducersProducers are autotrophic organisms that produce organic compounds necessary to the health of an ecosystem through the use of photosynthesis. Producers range from shrubs to large oak trees and make up the greater part of the food pyramid. They use the process of photosynthesis to convert light energy, water and carbon dioxide to produce glucose for the plant and oxygen as a waste product. The oxygen that is unessential to the producers is essential to the consumers. (31)
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ConsumersConsumers are heterotrophic organisms that rely on the organism below it on the food chain for energy. Consumers make up the rest of the food chain above the producers. Consumers are classified as primary consumers to secondary consumers, from secondary to, tertiary consumers then onward. The primary consumers are at the bottom of the consumer food chain, feeding on the producers rather than on another consumer. Each level feeds on the level below itself. (34)
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