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Multiple Choice
How is a food chain different from a food web?
A
A food chain includes all organisms in an ecosystem, while a food web includes only producers and consumers.
B
A food chain represents the energy flow in aquatic ecosystems, while a food web represents terrestrial ecosystems.
C
A food chain is a complex network of feeding relationships, while a food web is a simple linear sequence.
D
A food chain shows a single linear path of energy flow, while a food web shows multiple interconnected paths.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic definitions: A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms where nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another. A food web, on the other hand, is a complex network of many interconnected food chains and feeding relationships in an ecosystem.
Identify the key difference: A food chain shows a single, linear path of energy flow from one organism to the next. In contrast, a food web illustrates how various food chains in an ecosystem are interconnected, showing multiple paths of energy flow.
Consider the complexity: A food chain is simpler and focuses on a direct line of energy transfer, whereas a food web is more complex and realistic, representing the multiple feeding relationships that exist in an ecosystem.
Visualize the structure: Imagine a food chain as a straight line, where each organism is linked to the next by a single arrow. In a food web, visualize a network with multiple arrows connecting different organisms, indicating various feeding relationships.
Apply the concept: Think about how these structures help ecologists understand energy flow and ecosystem dynamics. A food chain provides a straightforward view, while a food web offers a more comprehensive picture of how energy and nutrients circulate in an ecosystem.