Food chains and food webs – basic principles
How it works
Food chains describe the linear transfer of energy and substances between living beings in an ecosystem: from producers (e.g. plants) via consumers (e.g. animals) to decomposers (e.g. fungi, bacteria). Food webs consist of several interconnected food chains and show the complex relationships between organisms. Each level of a food chain is called a trophic level. Energy is lost at each transfer, mostly as heat. Decomposers break down dead organisms and close the material cycle.
In food chains and food webs there are producers, consumers of different orders, and decomposers. Energy and substances are passed from one level to the next, with energy being lost. Food webs show the interconnection of several food chains.
An example
What is the role of the producers in a food chain?
Try it yourself now
50 Exercises · three difficulty levels · selection and number input
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: KMK Educational Standards Mathematics ESA/MSA. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.
