Food Chains and Food Webs

Front

What is a food chain?

Back

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.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem, illustrating how different organisms are related through feeding relationships.

Front

What are autotrophs?

Back

Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food using sunlight or chemical energy, primarily through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem and making them available for producers.

Front

What is the primary source of energy in a food chain?

Back

The primary source of energy in a food chain is the sun.

Front

What is a trophic level?

Back

A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web that indicates the organism's role in the flow of energy and nutrients, such as producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and decomposers.

Front

Which trophic level has the most energy?

Back

The autotrophs (producers) have the most energy in a food chain.

Front

What are primary consumers?

Back

Primary consumers are organisms that eat producers (plants) and are typically herbivores.

Front

What are secondary consumers?

Back

Secondary consumers are organisms that eat primary consumers and can be carnivores or omnivores.

Front

What is the significance of the pyramid of energy?

Back

The pyramid of energy illustrates the amount of energy available at each trophic level, showing that energy decreases as it moves up the food chain.