Food Chain

A food chain is a sequence of organisms in an ecosystem, each of which serves as a source of food or energy for the next. It represents the flow of energy and nutrients through the various organisms in an ecosystem.

Key Terms

• Producer: Organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis, such as plants.
• Consumer: Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
• Herbivore: Consumers that eat only plants.
• Carnivore: Consumers that eat only other animals.
• Omnivore: Consumers that eat both plants and animals.
• Decomposer: Organisms that break down dead organisms and organic waste, releasing nutrients back into the environment.

Food Chain Example:

Grass (Producer) -> Grasshopper (Primary Consumer) -> Frog (Secondary Consumer) -> Snake (Tertiary Consumer) -> Hawk (Quaternary Consumer)

Study Tips

1. Memorize the key terms and their definitions.
2. Understand the flow of energy and nutrients in a food chain.
3. Practice identifying the different roles of organisms in a food chain.
4. Learn about the impact of human activities on food chains and ecosystems.

Summary

A food chain is a fundamental concept in ecology, illustrating the interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem and the flow of energy through the food web. Understanding food chains is essential for understanding the balance of nature and the impact of human activities on the environment.

[Food Chain] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Food ChainsScience • First Grade
• Ecosystems, food chains and food websScience • Seventh Grade
• Food webs/food chainsScience • Fourth Grade