Food Chains and Food Webs

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What is a food chain?

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A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem, starting from producers to various levels of consumers.

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What is a food web?

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A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains that illustrates how energy and nutrients circulate among various organisms in an ecosystem.

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Who are primary consumers?

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Primary consumers are herbivores that eat producers (plants) in a food chain or food web.

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What role do secondary consumers play in a food chain?

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Secondary consumers are organisms that eat primary consumers; they are typically carnivores or omnivores.

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What is a tertiary consumer?

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A tertiary consumer is an organism that eats secondary consumers; they are usually at the top of the food chain.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

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What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and completing the nutrient cycle.

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Can you give an example of a primary consumer?

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An example of a primary consumer is a grasshopper, which feeds on grass.

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What is the difference between a carnivore and an herbivore?

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Carnivores are animals that eat other animals, while herbivores are animals that primarily eat plants.

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What is an omnivore?

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An omnivore is an organism that eats both plants and animals.

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What is the significance of energy flow in a food web?

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Energy flow in a food web is significant because it illustrates how energy is transferred from one trophic level to another, supporting the survival of various organisms.

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