Trophic Level - GCSE Biology Definition

A trophic level is a step or position in the flow of energy in a food chain or food web. It refers to each group of organisms that share the same method of gaining energy. For example, plants and algae are called producers and make up the first trophic level because they use sunlight to make food through photosynthesis. Animals that eat plants, like rabbits, are called primary consumers and make up the second trophic level. Animals that eat other animals, like foxes, are secondary or higher-level consumers. Understanding trophic levels helps us see how energy is transferred from one group of organisms to another, and why food chains often form a pyramid shape, with producers supporting all other levels.