Answer:
-->Phytoplankton are AUTOTROPHS
--> Both the Salmon and the grizzly bears are CONSUMERS.
--> Grizzly bears are SECONDARY CONSUMERS.
Explanation:
In an ecosystem, which is the basic functioning unit of nature, the biotic components is made up of all the living organisms in it. These organisms are divided into two main groups which includes:
--> The AUTOTROPHS: These are organisms that are able to use sunlight or chemical energy to manufacture their own food from simple inorganic substances. Since Autotrophs are the only organisms that can produce food in an ecosystem, they are also known as PRIMARY PRODUCERS. Example of autotrophs includes Phytoplankton( all green plants).
-->HETEROTROPHS: These organisms cannot manufacture their own food rather they feed on ready-made food which comes from the tissues of organisms in their environment. In an ecosystem, Heterotrophs are known as the CONSUMERS. Example of Heterotrophs includes all animals (salmon and the grizzly bears).
These biotic components of the ecosystem forms a feeding pathway through which energy and nutrients are transferred step by step among organisms. This is called a FOOD CHAIN. This feeding pathway follows a certain pattern:
--> it begins with a primary producer (Phytoplankton)
--> the primary producer is eaten by a primary consumer (salmon)
--> the primary consumer is eaten by a secondary consumer (grizzly bears)
That is the reason both the Salmon and the grizzly bears are CONSUMERS but while salmon is a primary consumer, grizzly bears are SECONDARY consumers.
