What is the role of consumers in an ecosystem?

What is the role of consumers in an ecosystem?

Consumers play a crucial role in an ecosystem as they obtain energy by consuming other organisms. They are responsible for the transfer of energy and nutrients within the food chain or food web. Consumers can be classified into different trophic levels, such as primary consumers (herbivores), secondary consumers (carnivores), and tertiary consumers (top predators). By feeding on other organisms, consumers help regulate population sizes, maintain biodiversity, and contribute to the overall functioning and balance of the ecosystem.