How can a mouse be consumer and prey the same time what is this called?

You're right, mice are both consumers and prey! This is a common occurrence in the natural world, and it's called a trophic level.

Here's how it works:

* Consumer: Mice consume food like seeds, fruits, insects, and even other small animals. This makes them primary consumers (herbivores) or secondary consumers (carnivores/omnivores) depending on their diet.

* Prey: Mice are prey for larger animals, like owls, snakes, foxes, and cats. They occupy a lower trophic level than their predators.

In essence, mice are part of a complex food web where they act as both eaters and the eaten. This dynamic is essential for maintaining balance in ecosystems.