Which characteristic is true for herbivores?

Herbivores are organisms that primarily feed on plants. Being categorized as primary consumers is a characteristic that defines them, as they occupy a crucial role in the food chain. Primary consumers are the first level of consumers in an ecosystem that directly consume producers (which are typically plants or autotrophs). This means that herbivores obtain their energy by eating plants, which convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

In ecosystems, herbivores play an essential role in transferring energy from producers to higher trophic levels, such as secondary consumers (which may be carnivores or omnivores). They are vital in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling plant populations and by serving as food sources for secondary consumers. This helps ensure energy flow and nutrient cycling within the ecosystem.

The other options do not accurately describe herbivores. For instance, herbivores do not primarily consume other animals, nor do they trade energy directly with secondary consumers; instead, they provide energy to them as prey. Additionally, herbivores are not decomposers; decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic material, contributing to nutrient cycling in a different manner.