Food Webs

Front

What is an apex predator?

Back

An apex predator is a predator at the top of a food chain that has no natural predators of its own.

Front

Why are apex predators important in an ecosystem?

Back

Apex predators help maintain the balance of ecosystems by controlling prey populations and influencing the structure of the food web.

Front

What role does the sun play in a food web?

Back

The sun is the primary source of energy for almost all food webs, as it provides the energy needed for photosynthesis in plants.

Front

What is a decomposer?

Back

A decomposer is an organism that breaks down dead and decaying material, returning nutrients to the soil.

Front

Can you name a common decomposer?

Back

Common decomposers include fungi, bacteria, and certain insects like millipedes.

Front

What happens to prey populations when apex predators are removed from an ecosystem?

Back

Without apex predators, prey populations can increase dramatically, leading to overgrazing and depletion of vegetation.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem.

Front

How does energy flow through a food web?

Back

Energy flows through a food web from producers to various levels of consumers, with energy decreasing at each trophic level.

Front

What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass, while a food web is a more complex network of interconnected food chains.

Front

What is a primary consumer?

Back

A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers (plants) and is typically herbivorous.