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CLASS 6 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

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.

Note
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?

Producers use photosynthesis to make organic substances from inorganic substances and form the basis of every food chain.

Try it yourself now

50 Exercises · three difficulty levels · selection and number input

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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.