Mangrove forests are included in a highly complex trophic system.

In trophic systems photosynthetic organisms are the primary producers.

Inorganic mercury also possesses the ability to bioaccumulate individuals and biomagnify through trophic systems.

Lindeman emphasized the important role of decomposer organisms in a trophic system of classification.

The bioaccumulation and magnification along with the high toxicity and persistence has the ability to destroy and/or irreparably damage trophic systems, especially the higher trophic levels, globally.

Elton organized species into functional groups, which formed the basis for the trophic system of classification in Raymond Lindeman's classic and landmark paper in 1942 on trophic dynamics.

The remainder is either consumed by animals while still alive and enters the plant-based trophic system, or it is consumed after it has died, and enters the detritus-based trophic system.

Carnivores may capture some prey which are part of a plant-based trophic system and others that are part of a detritus-based trophic system (a bird that feeds both on herbivorous grasshoppers and earthworms, which consume detritus).