In a food web, which organisms typically occupy the second trophic level?

In a food web, the second trophic level is typically occupied by primary consumers. Primary consumers are organisms that consume producers, which are usually plants or phytoplankton that convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. Producers form the first trophic level as they are the foundation of the food web, capturing energy from the sun and making it available to other organisms.

Primary consumers then feed on these producers, transferring energy from the plant level to the next level in the food web. Examples of primary consumers include herbivores like rabbits, deer, and certain fish species that graze on aquatic vegetation. This feeding relationship is essential for maintaining the energy flow in ecosystems, as it connects the autotrophic producers to the various levels of consumers that rely on them for energy.