a scorpion stalks, kills and then eats a spider, based on its behavior what ecological term describes the scorpion?
a) producer, herbivore, decomposer
b)Producer, carnivore, heterotroph
c)Predator, carnivore, consumer
d) Predator, autotroph, herbivore
Based on the behavior described, the ecological term that best describes the scorpion is:
c) Predator, carnivore, consumer
To arrive at this answer, we can break down the options:
a) Producer, herbivore, decomposer: A producer is an organism that can produce its own food through photosynthesis, such as plants. Since the scorpion does not produce its own food and feeds on other organisms, it cannot be classified as a producer. Additionally, a herbivore only consumes plant matter, and a decomposer breaks down organic matter. Neither match the behavior of the scorpion, so this option is incorrect.
b) Producer, carnivore, heterotroph: Again, a producer is an organism that can produce its own food through photosynthesis, which the scorpion cannot do. However, the scorpion does feed on other organisms, so it can be considered a carnivore. Heterotroph refers to an organism that cannot produce its own food, relying on other organisms for energy, which fits the behavior of the scorpion. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
c) Predator, carnivore, consumer: A predator refers to an organism that hunts and kills other organisms for food, which matches the scorpion's behavior. Carnivore means an animal that exclusively or mainly feeds on other animals, which also aligns with the scorpion's diet. Finally, a consumer refers to an organism that obtains energy by consuming other organisms, making this a suitable choice. Thus, this option correctly describes the scorpion.
d) Predator, autotroph, herbivore: A predator, as mentioned before, describes an organism that hunts and kills other organisms for food, fitting the scorpion's behavior. However, an autotroph is an organism capable of producing its own food, which the scorpion cannot do. Lastly, a herbivore feeds exclusively on plant matter, whereas the scorpion preys on spiders, an animal. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
Hence, option c) Predator, carnivore, consumer is the best description of the scorpion based on its behavior.