Food Chains, Food Webs and Trophic Levels

Front

What is a food chain?

Back

A linear sequence of organisms where each is eaten by the next, showing the flow of energy and nutrients.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

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

Front

Define trophic level.

Back

The position an organism occupies in a food chain, which is determined by its feeding relationships.

Front

What are producers?

Back

Organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, forming the first trophic level.

Front

What are primary consumers?

Back

Herbivores that eat producers; they occupy the second trophic level.

Front

What are secondary consumers?

Back

Carnivores that eat primary consumers; they occupy the third trophic level.

Front

What are decomposers?

Back

Organisms that break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and completing the cycle of matter.

Front

What is an energy pyramid?

Back

A graphical representation showing the amount of energy available at each trophic level in an ecosystem.

Front

What is the role of herbivores in a food chain?

Back

Herbivores serve as primary consumers, converting plant energy into energy for higher trophic levels.

Front

What is the difference between a scavenger and a decomposer?

Back

Scavengers consume dead animals, while decomposers break down all types of dead organic matter.