Food chain

Definition

A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients are transferred from one organism to another in an ecosystem. It starts with producers (plants) and ends with top consumers (predators).

Related terms

Trophic level: Each step or level in a food chain where organisms obtain their energy.

Herbivore: An animal that only eats plants as its primary source of nutrition.

Carnivore: An animal that primarily feeds on other animals for sustenance.