Introduction:
Animals are known as consumers as they play a significant role in the ecosystem by consuming other organisms for their survival. They obtain their energy and nutrients from other living organisms in the food chain.

Types of Consumers:
There are three types of consumers:

1. Herbivores - Animals that only consume plants, such as cows, rabbits, and deer.

2. Carnivores - Animals that only consume other animals, such as lions, tigers, and wolves.

3. Omnivores - Animals that consume both plants and animals, such as humans, bears, and pigs.

Consumption and Energy Transfer:
Consumers play an important role in the energy transfer within an ecosystem. When a consumer consumes another organism, it gains energy from the consumed organism. This energy is then used for the consumer's survival, growth, and reproduction. The energy transfer between the organisms continues through the food chain, as one organism is consumed by another.

Importance of Consumers:
Consumers are an essential part of the ecosystem, as they help in maintaining the balance of nature by controlling the population of other organisms. If there were no consumers, the population of plants and other organisms would increase uncontrollably, leading to an imbalance in the ecosystem.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, animals are called consumers because they consume other living organisms for their survival. They play a vital role in the energy transfer within the ecosystem and help maintain the balance of nature.

The animals who prepare their own food are known as consumers..