12C Food Chains and Webs

Front

What is a food chain?

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

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

Front

What is the primary producer in a food chain?

Back

The primary producer is typically a plant or photosynthetic organism that converts solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

Front

What is the role of consumers in a food chain?

Back

Consumers are organisms that obtain energy by eating other organisms; they can be herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores.

Front

What is a trophic level?

Back

A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web, defined by how an organism obtains its energy.

Front

What percentage of energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?

Back

Approximately 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next in a food chain.

Front

What is a decomposer?

Back

Decomposers are organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.

Front

What is the difference between a herbivore and a carnivore?

Back

Herbivores are animals that eat plants, while carnivores are animals that eat other animals.

Front

What is an omnivore?

Back

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

Front

How do food chains and food webs relate to energy flow in an ecosystem?

Back

Food chains and food webs illustrate how energy flows through an ecosystem, from producers to various levels of consumers.