food chain
Definition
A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass. A food chain begins with a producer, an organism that can make its own food. Producers are usually plants, but some bacteria and algae are also producers.
The next level in a food chain is made up of consumers, organisms that eat producers. Consumers are either herbivores, which eat only plants, or carnivores, which eat other animals. Carnivores that eat only other carnivores are called top predators.
The final level in a food chain is made up of decomposers, organisms that break down the remains of dead organisms. Decomposers are usually bacteria and fungi.
Food chains are important because they help to transfer energy from one organism to another. The energy from the sun is captured by producers and then transferred to consumers. This energy is then used by consumers to grow and reproduce.
Food chains are also important because they help to maintain balance in ecosystems. If one organism in a food chain is removed, it can have a ripple effect throughout the entire ecosystem.
How can the word be used?
The food chain was disrupted by the introduction of a new predator.
Different forms of the word
Noun: food chain, food chains.
Adjective: food-chain.
Etymology
The word "food chain" is a compound word that is made up of the words "food" and "chain". The word "food" comes from the Old English word fōda, which means "nourishment". The word "chain" comes from the Old French word chaine, which also means "nourishment".
Question
Draw a simple food chain.
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the concept of a food chain and its significance in ecological relationships. Describe the different trophic levels in a food chain and how energy flows through the chain. Provide real-life examples of food chains in various ecosystems and their role in maintaining ecological balance.
Answer:
A food chain represents the flow of energy and nutrients from one organism to another in an ecosystem. It showcases the feeding relationships between different organisms, highlighting who eats whom in a linear manner. Each step in the food chain represents a trophic level, starting with producers (plants), then herbivores (primary consumers), and finally, carnivores or omnivores (secondary consumers).
Energy flows through the food chain, with each trophic level transferring a portion of energy from the previous level. However, not all energy is passed on, as some are lost as heat or used for the organism's metabolic needs.
Real-life examples of food chains include a grassland ecosystem, where the grass is consumed by grasshoppers, which are then preyed upon by birds or small mammals. In marine ecosystems, phytoplankton serve as primary producers, supporting zooplankton, small fish, and larger predators in a complex food web.
Food chains are vital in maintaining ecological balance by regulating population sizes and preventing the dominance of any particular species. They also demonstrate the interdependence of organisms in ecosystems and the significance of preserving biodiversity for a healthy environment.