trophic level
noun
: one of the hierarchical strata of a food web characterized by organisms which are the same number of steps removed from the primary producers
Examples of trophic level in a Sentence
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Predator presence can shape behavior across multiple trophic levels; and while some prey species might benefit from the distraction, other reef fishes might avoid these zones altogether.
—
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 12 May 2026
In general, scientists typically use five trophic levels to describe food chains.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 11 Oct. 2023
Through this process, called bioaccumulation, the heavy metals stick around and increase at each trophic level.
—Doug Johnson, Ars Technica, 19 Oct. 2022
One way that extra trophic level or two could be explained?
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 29 June 2022
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Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 12 May 2026
In general, scientists typically use five trophic levels to describe food chains.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 11 Oct. 2023
Through this process, called bioaccumulation, the heavy metals stick around and increase at each trophic level.
—Doug Johnson, Ars Technica, 19 Oct. 2022
One way that extra trophic level or two could be explained?
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 29 June 2022
Cite this Entry
“Trophic level.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trophic%20level. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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