* They don't produce their own food: Unlike plants, which can create their own food through photosynthesis, animals need to obtain their energy and nutrients from other sources.
* They rely on other organisms: Animals eat plants (herbivores), other animals (carnivores), or a mix of both (omnivores). This means they are dependent on other organisms for their survival.
* They play a vital role in the food chain: By consuming other organisms, animals help to transfer energy and nutrients through the ecosystem. They are essential for maintaining balance and diversity within the food web.
In summary, animals are called consumers because they consume other organisms to survive, making them an integral part of the food chain and the natural world.