5.3.2 FOOD CHAINS AND WEBS

Front

What is a food chain?

Back

A food chain is a 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, showing how different organisms are related through feeding relationships.

Front

What is a producer?

Back

A producer is an organism, usually a plant, that can make its own food through photosynthesis and serves as the base of the food chain.

Front

What is a primary consumer?

Back

A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers; they are usually herbivores.

Front

What is a secondary consumer?

Back

A secondary consumer is an organism that eats primary consumers; they can be carnivores or omnivores.

Front

What is a tertiary consumer?

Back

A tertiary consumer is an organism that eats secondary consumers; they are typically top predators in the food chain.

Front

What are biotic factors?

Back

Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Front

What are abiotic factors?

Back

Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, water, air, and soil.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and helping to recycle matter in the ecosystem.

Front

What is a herbivore?

Back

A herbivore is an animal that primarily eats plants.