Food Webs and Chains

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What is a food web?

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A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem, showing how energy and nutrients flow between different organisms.

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What is a food chain?

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

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What is a producer?

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A producer is an organism that can make its own food, typically through photosynthesis, such as plants.

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What is a consumer?

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A consumer is an organism that obtains energy by eating other organisms.

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What is a decomposer?

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

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What is a primary consumer?

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

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What is a secondary consumer?

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A secondary consumer is an organism that eats primary consumers; they can be 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 often at the top of the food chain.

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What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem, helping to maintain soil health and fertility.

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What happens to energy as it moves up the food chain?

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Energy decreases as it moves up the food chain, with only about 10% of energy being transferred to the next level.