Question

What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

Answer 1

A food chain is a basic network that shows the linear flow of nutrients and energy from one trophic level to another. A food web is a multitude of food chains that are interconnected at many trophic levels. Furthermore, a food web accurately represents all the various food chains that exist in an ecosystem.

Food chain:

1. A linear pathway showing the flow of energy
2. An organism of higher level trophic feeds on a specific organism of lower trophic level
3. Has no effect on the adaptability and competitiveness of organisms.

Food web:

1. A multitude of networks showing the flow of energy
2. An organism of higher trophic level has access to more members of a lower trophic level.
3. Has a role in improving the adaptability and competitiveness of an organism.

Answer 2

A food chain follows one path of energy and materials between species. A food web is more complex and is a whole system of connected food chains.

Step-by-step explanation: