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N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources

NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program - Ask an Ecologist

Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program

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Ask an Ecologist!

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What do fireflies and the estuary have in common?
Can migrating birds offer us clues about about our climate?
How might a parking lot in Raleigh affect the cost of a crab dinner in Ocracoke?

Vulture flying near the Albemarle SoundIf you want to learn about the lands, rivers, and sounds of the Albemarle-Pamlico ecosystem, you’ve come to the right place! Through “Ask an Ecologist,” we’ll answer your environmental questions. In particular, we’ll highlight the interesting ecological relationships between the air, land, water, and biological communities of our region. We’ll also help you understand how we as humans affect and rely on our ecosystem.

Near the shore at Edenton's Sandy PointSubmit a question using the form to the left and have your question personally answered by a nearby expert. We’ll address as many submissions as possible, but responses may take a week or more. Also note that we don’t do school homework, and we try to select questions for reply that are focused on the science of ecology. The best questions and responses will be posted to the APNEP website, along with the submitter’s first name and hometown.

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Dear Ecologist,
My question is concerning omnivores. Are they a primary consumer, secondary consumer or both?
Sincerely,
John
Willow Wood, OH

Greetings from North Carolina John,
My answer to your question, whether ominvores are a primary consumer, secondary consumer, or both: omnivores are both. When an ominivore is in herbivorous mode and eating vegetation it’s a primary consumer (of producers, the plants) and when they are in carnivorous mode and eat herbivores they are secondary consumer. Of course, if an omnivore dines on carnivores they would be a tertiary or higher-level consumer as well!
Cheers,
Dean Carpenter, APNEP Program Scientist

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