Food Web

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains that represents the flow of energy and nutrients through an ecosystem. It shows how different species in an ecosystem are connected through their feeding relationships.

Key Concepts

• Producers: Organisms, such as plants and algae, that produce their own food through photosynthesis.
• Consumers: Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
• Primary Consumers: Herbivores that feed on producers.
• Secondary Consumers: Carnivores that feed on primary consumers.
• Tertiary Consumers: Carnivores that feed on secondary consumers.
• Decomposers: Organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that break down organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Example Food Web

Below is an example of a simple food web:

Study Tips

When studying food webs, it's important to understand the following:

1. Identify the different trophic levels within the food web (producers, primary consumers, etc.).
2. Understand the flow of energy and nutrients through the food web, including the direction of energy transfer from one trophic level to another.
3. Recognize the interconnectedness of species within the ecosystem and how changes in one population can affect other populations.
4. Learn about the concept of energy pyramids and how they relate to food webs.

By mastering these key concepts and study tips, you can gain a solid understanding of food webs and their significance within ecosystems.