​Desert Terrarium

In our biome, the producers, otherwise known as autotrophs (organisms that use light or chemical energy to make food) are found at the bottom of the food web. All of the cacti and the other plants (Soap Tree Yucca, Jumping Cholla) are known as producers.  

 

The next level in our biome is known as the primary consumers (always herbivores). They are also known as heterotrophs (organisms that rely on other organisms for their food and supply). In this diagram, the Meerkat, Jackrabbit, Desert Pocket Mouse, and the Kangaroo Desert Rat are all primary consumers.  

 

The next level after primary consumers are known as secondary consumers. These consumers are either omnivores or carnivores. In this diagram, all of the arachnids, the Sonoran desert toad and the Long Spined Horned Lizard are all secondary consumers.  

 

The final level is the tertiary consumer. These consumers are almost always carnivores. In this diagram, the Roadrunner, Ostrich, Gila monster, and the Sidewinder are all tertiary consumers. The vulture at the top eats anything, so it can be seen as a top consumer as well.