Operational definition
Umbrella ecological role.
A heterotrophic organism that obtains organic matter, chemical free energy, or nutrients from biomass or biologically produced organic material originating in other organisms.
Consumers include, in the broad sense:
- herbivores;
- predators;
- omnivores;
- parasites;
- scavengers;
- detritivores.
The subordinate terms identify how and from what state of biomass consumption occurs.
100.1 Primary consumer
Consumes primary producers.
100.2 Secondary or higher consumer
Consumes other consumers.
100.3 Omnivore
Acquires resources across multiple trophic positions.
100.4 Microbial consumer
Consumes cells, dissolved metabolites, or particulate organic matter.