---
title: "Food Web — AP Environmental Science Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "A food web models interlocking food chains showing energy flow and nutrient cycling, and explains why removing one species can ripple through an ecosystem."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-enviro/key-terms/food-web"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Environmental Science"
---

# Food Web — AP Environmental Science Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains within an ecosystem. It represents multiple feeding relationships and interactions among various organisms.

## Related Study Guides

- [1.11 Food Chains and Food Webs](/ap-enviro/unit-1/food-chains-food-webs/study-guide/4fCgW98LwgSPkma8myW5)
- [1.9 Trophic Levels](/ap-enviro/unit-1/trophic-levels/study-guide/zuTydZBp5i87EOaR0jGz)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Producers (Autotrophs): Organisms capable of producing their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
- Decomposers (Detritivores): Organisms that break down dead organic matter into simpler substances for recycling.
- [Trophic Cascade](/ap-enviro/key-terms/trophic-cascade): A series of changes in an ecosystem caused by the addition or removal of top predators.