Tertiary Consumers of the ocean ecosystems
*How much energy do they get from the sun?
**Are they herbivores, omnivores or carnivores?
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Tertiary consumers in ocean ecosystems include:
1. Sharks: Sharks primarily obtain energy indirectly from the sun through the consumption of other organisms. They are carnivores, feeding on smaller fish and marine mammals.
2. Orcas (Killer Whales): Orcas are also tertiary consumers in ocean ecosystems. They obtain energy indirectly from the sun by consuming other animals. They are also carnivores, eating fish, squid, and marine mammals.
3. Giant Pacific Octopus: As tertiary consumers, giant Pacific octopuses obtain energy indirectly from the sun by consuming other organisms. They are carnivores, feeding on small fish, crabs, and other marine invertebrates.
4. African Penguins: African penguins are secondary and tertiary consumers, since they consume fish and krill. They obtain energy indirectly from the sun as well. They are primarily carnivores, but can also eat some plant matter.
The amount of energy these tertiary consumers get from the sun is fairly small compared to primary consumers (herbivores) and secondary consumers (omnivores and carnivores). This is because energy is lost as it moves up the food chain.