Food Chains, Webs and Energy Pyramids

Front

What is a food chain?

Back

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

Front

What is an energy pyramid?

Back

An energy pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the flow of energy at different trophic levels in an ecosystem, with producers at the base and top predators at the apex.

Front

What is a producer?

Back

A producer is an organism, typically a plant or algae, that can produce its own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

Front

What is a primary consumer?

Back

A primary consumer is an organism that feeds directly on producers; they are typically herbivores.

Front

What is a secondary consumer?

Back

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

Front

What is a tertiary consumer?

Back

A tertiary consumer is an organism that feeds on secondary consumers; they are often top predators in the food chain.

Front

What is an autotroph?

Back

An autotroph is an organism that can produce its own food from inorganic substances, using light or chemical energy.

Front

What is a heterotroph?

Back

A heterotroph is an organism that cannot produce its own food and must consume other organisms for energy.

Front

What is competition in an ecosystem?

Back

Competition in an ecosystem occurs when two or more organisms vie for the same resources, such as food, space, or mates.