Producers, consumers and decomposers

Organisms are grouped as producers, consumers and decomposers based on the manner in which they obtain their sustenance from the environment.

Producers

• All organisms which can prepare their own food by photosynthesis using the radiant energy of the sun absorbed by the chlorophyll of the leaves are called producers.

Fig. Producers

Consumers

• The organisms which consume the food produced either directly or indirectly are called consumers.
• Consumers can be classified into primary, secondary and tertiary consumers based on their mode of nutrition.
• All herbivores and some parasites are primary consumers. Example- rabbit, which eats grass.

Fig. A producer

• Many small carnivores and some parasites are secondary consumers. Example- snake, which eats rabbits.

Fig. A secondary consumer

• Larger carnivores and omnivores are tertiary consumers. Example- owl, which eats snakes.

Fig. A tertiary consumer

Decomposers 

• The organisms which break down the dead remains and waste products of organisms are called decomposers.

Fig. Decomposers- fungi

• Decomposers break down the complex organic substances into simple inorganic substances in the soil which is used by the plants.