Biology question: Carnivores (10 points)?

Question

Answer this: Although a carnivore at the top of a food chain is free of visible predation, it is - during its lifetime - a source of energy for many different species, representing as many as four kingdoms. Explain.

I know the obvious answer is at their death, they provide energy for decomposers/scavengers, etc. But the phrasing of the question says "during its lifetime." So I was just wondering if carnivores provide energy for any species while they're alive just to double check. Thanks!

Answer 1

The top predator does not eat its entire kill.

So, a lion provides food for lesser scavenging predators, such as hyenas and vultures.  That's the animal kingdom.

The lion is also parasitized by arthropods (fleas, biting flies, lice, mites) and by worms (more animals).

The lion's p**p provides an environment for fungi and bacteria (that's two more kingdoms).

There are some protist diseases of animals, and you can be sure that the lion has some of those.  So that's the fourth kingdom.

  

Answer 2

Carnivores are:

- parasitized by insects like fleas and ticks

- parasitized by worms

- affected by bacterial diseases

- sources of fecal matter which fertilize soil thereby supporting plant life

That's all I can think of at the moment. I'm looking forward to reading more answers to your interesting question.

Answer 3

I think due to its fesis(sp?p**p) and whatever uneaten meals it has. That is a way that it helps other species survive thus creating energy in other forms by its actions.

Answer 4

Flies eat their p**p. Gives milk if mammal. Parasites.  

Answer 5

they p**p and bugs eat it, They kill animals and can't eat it all so Buzzards eat or other scavengers, p**p acts like fertilizer, they take out the weak and old in the herd keeping it healthy

Answer 6

Parasites flourish inside of carnivores and go unnoticedd, i know that much is true, but upon racking my brain, i really cant think of anything directly attached.

i mean, in a sub context it would be easy to say that human carnivore can plant something from which other species, be it bugs, animals, whatever can eat...butthat'ss another realm, I'm sure.

so uh, ill stick to me Parasites answer.

Answer 7

Hm.. I would say...

Fecal matter, just like body matter, decomposes to help maintain a balance in the ecosystem.  The nutrients that bypass absorption into the body provide sustenance for many "bugs" (parasites, flies, etc) and as the fecal matter decomposes, these nutrients also give soil and plants many minerals that they need to perform best.

Maybe?