ISA Certified Arborist Practice Exam

In a healthy ecosystem, which role do trees primarily fulfill?

1. Predator

2. Herbivore

3. Primary producer

4. Decomposer

The correct answer is: Primary producer

In a healthy ecosystem, trees primarily fulfill the role of primary producers. This means that they harness sunlight through the process of photosynthesis, allowing them to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. As primary producers, trees serve as the foundational base of the food web, providing energy and organic matter for a wide range of consumers, including herbivores that directly feed on them. Trees also contribute to ecosystem stability by providing habitat, enhancing soil quality, and playing a crucial role in carbon sequestration, which helps mitigate climate change. Therefore, their role as primary producers is essential for maintaining the balance and health of ecosystems, making them vital for the survival of various plant and animal species.