Aquatic food web definition. Even when all organisms are grouped into appropriate .

Aquatic food web definition A lower level aquatic food web contains photosynthesizing phytoplankton or algae, various sizes and types of zooplankton, and carnivorous small fish as well as phytoplankton eating fish. Species in each trophic or feeding level rely on their prey base and in turn are critically important to the organisms that feed on them. Macroinvertebrates are an important food source for fish, birds and other Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like phytoplankton, Zooplankton, krill and more. They form the base of the aquatic food chain by being the primary producers, producing food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Food webs are based both on free-floating algae and upon aquatic plants. Oct 19, 2023 · A food web consists of all the food chains in a single ecosystem. Phytoplankton is the base of several aquatic food webs. , crustaceans, fish, and squid) and benthos (e. Aug 6, 2021 · Learn the difference between food chains and food webs. Aquatic food webs Aquatic food webs show how plants and animals are connected through feeding relationships. It encompasses various producers, consumers, and decomposers. The word Phytoplankton is derived from the combination of two Greek Words – python (plant) and planktons (drifter). The carbon cycle regulates the Earth’s global temperature and controls the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This facilitates the incorporation of their ecological roles into research studies A food web is a complex network of connections between plants, animals and other organisms that eat—and are eaten by—each other. By understanding A food web diagram illustrates ‘what eats what’ in a particular habitat. Top predators may include large fish, herons, or alligators. By understanding Feb 17, 2023 · What is a food web in biology. Learn its different levels and types with an example and a simple labeled diagram. Trophic Levels Organisms in food webs are grouped into categories The pelagic food web, showing the central involvement of marine microorganisms in how the ocean imports nutrients from and then exports them back to the atmosphere and ocean floor A marine food web is a food web of marine life. Trophic levels Organisms in food webs are commonly divided into May 29, 2025 · A food chain is like a line that shows who eats whom in nature, as animals and plants are linked because they eat each other. Food webs show the intricate interactions among various species in an ecosystem, demonstrating the interdependence of organisms and the complexity of energy flow. They are Jan 2, 2025 · Primary Consumers, Food Chain and Food Web To understand the primary consumer, it is necessary to understand the concept of the food chain and food web. Recognize the importance of sunlight zone habitats (see PODS: Coastal Habitats). The arrows represent the transfer of energy and always point from the organism being eaten to the one that is doing the eating. Their consumption patterns play a pivotal role in nutrient cycling within aquatic ecosystems. Energy travels through the food web and steadily decreases with each trophic level it passes through… However, in most ecosystems, energy flow is much more complicated than a linear chain. Jan 18, 2022 · Carbon Cycling in Aquatic Ecosystems. For example: Producers convert sunlight into energy. Food Web A food web is a more comprehensive representation of the feeding relationships and interactions among various organisms within an ecosystem. Aquatic food webs can be defined as complex diagrams that depict the feeding interactions among various species within aquatic ecosystems, illustrating the pathways of energy and material transfer across multiple trophic levels. The term food chain describes the order in which organisms, or living things, depend on each other for food. Handout 3—The Aquatic Food Web A food chain links an organism to one source of food whereas a food web links organisms to many of its food sources. The Chesapeake Bay food web includes plankton, filter feeders, fish These microorganisms are crucial for oxygen production and support aquatic food webs. give an example of an aquatic food web; 3. Small fish, crustaceans, and zooplankton feed on phytoplankton. Planktonic algae are the foundation of aquatic food webs. Small fish and invertebrates also graze on the plant-like organisms, and then those smaller animals are eaten by bigger ones. Food webs represent the feeding connections between organisms and models how stored matter and energy is transferred to the organism that consumes it. Learn how they connect primary consumers and top predators in the food chain. Jan 31, 2025 · Explore the role of secondary consumers in ecosystems, their types, and examples. Paralleling plants on land, phytoplankton undertake primary production in water, [2] creating organic compounds from carbon dioxide dissolved in the water. Grazing food webs have a producer at their base, which is either a plant for terrestrial ecosystems or a phytoplankton for … Mar 16, 2025 · In the intricate tapestry of ecosystems, every thread has its role, and one of the often-overlooked yet vital components is detritus. Ocean scientists, called oceanographers, board research vessels to collect samples at different depths in the water and under various environmental conditions including dissolved oxygen, temperature, and salinity. The conference brought together leading marine scientists and engineers, policy-makers, film-makers, exhibit designers, informal science educators, journalists and communicators to develop a portfolio of models for communicating major ocean issues to the public. It maintains a good The food web represents the interconnected relationships between organisms within an ecosystem, illustrating how energy and nutrients circulate. A food chain is a simple line of organisms, with each one being food for the next, focusing on direct connections and energy moving. Mar 22, 2024 · Comprehensive overview of phytoplankton: major groups, ecological importance in aquatic food webs, and environmental factors influencing distribution. A food chain shows only the organisms that contribute to the diet of the top consumer. Leaves and land insects falling into the water from vegetation on the banks provide organic matter for aquatic food webs. A food chain is a one-way pathway that includes a linear network of linking organisms. Before we look at the difference Between Food Chain and Food Web, let’s understand what a food chain is: A food chain is a linear flow of energy and nutrients from one organism to another. Aquatic food systems An aquatic food system is the complex web of all the elements and activities that relate to foods from water, along with parts of the broader economic, social and natural environments in which they are embedded. A food web is a graphic representation of a holistic, nonlinear web of primary producers, primary consumers, and higher-level consumers used to describe ecosystem structure and dynamics (Figure 19 1 1). Role in the food chain: Plankton, particularly phytoplankton, form the base of the marine and freshwater food chains. Aug 3, 2023 · Trophic level is the position within a food chain that is occupied by a group of organisms in an ecosystem. Figure 5 8 1 1: Example of simplified food chains (a) and food webs (b) of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. During a flood, the large amounts of additional water overflow the stream banks and spread out to cover the floodplain. Food is a necessity for all life on earth; however, the way plants and animals obtain their meals varies. Definition Cyanobacteria, often referred to as blue-green algae, are a group of photosynthetic bacteria that play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems. They thrive in diverse environments, from freshwater to marine systems. Macroinvertebrates are also crucial in aquatic nutrient cycling. It maintains a good Apr 7, 2005 · Abstract This book provides a synthesis of theoretical and empirical food web research. [35] The transmission of contaminants can have negative ecological consequences that amplify up the food chain, including reduced nesting success of birds, [36] disruptions to riparian food webs, [37] and contamination of otherwise Nov 20, 2023 · Food Web: Definition, Diagram, Examples, Food Chain and its Importance Food Web illustrates complex relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem, depicting who eats whom and interdependence of life forms. are briefly mentioned in the article below. Mar 29, 2023 · Plankton play a critical role in sustaining ecosystems and maintaining the planet’s health. These networks highlight the transfer of energy and nutrients, starting from primary producers to apex predators, maintaining ecosystem stability and biodiversity. Describe how the sunlight zone supports aquatic food webs, with phytoplankton as the foundation, transferring energy through different trophic levels. At the base of the food web are producers, such as plants and algae, which convert sunlight into chemical These events affect multiple organisms and highlight the delicate balance within food webs. Jul 30, 2024 · Occasionally, aquatic and terrestrial food chains can link to the same trophic network. Each living thing in an ecosystem is part of multiple food chains. These microorganisms are capable of converting sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, releasing oxygen as a byproduct, which has significant implications for primary production and the overall health of marine environments. Draw arrows between the sun, plants, and animals to show the flow of food or energy and the different paths it can take through the food web. Phytoplankton, also known as microalgae, are similar to terrestrial plants in that they contain chlorophyll and require sunlight in order to live and grow. Feeding relationship among species can influence community structure. They serve as the foundation of aquatic food webs, contribute significantly to global biogeochemical cycles, and support biodiversity. In addition to being a crucial source of oxygen, phytoplankton form the base of aquatic food webs. A series of food chains, called a food web, is used to show the interconnectedness of all organisms in an ecosystem. The first trophic level would be photosynthetic organisms, or primary producers, such as phytoplankton, aquatic plants, etc. Aquatic ecosystems are those that A food web is a graphic representation of a holistic, nonlinear web of primary producers, primary consumers, and higher-level consumers used to describe ecosystem structure and dynamics (Figure 5 8 1 1). Other macroinvertebrates are filter feeders. Each organism plays a specific role, contributing to the balance of its environment. Nutrient availability is central in shaping food webs. For example, when a small fish eats an aquatic insect, and a larger fish eats the small fish, the two fish and the Importance of phytoplankton The food web Phytoplankton are the foundation of the aquatic food web, the primary producers, feeding everything from microscopic, animal-like zooplankton to multi-ton whales. Abstract This chapter examines recent case studies of marine food webs to evaluate the applicability of food web theories for the marine environment. Oct 19, 2023 · This food pyramid displays a basic marine food web. Aquatic food web containing multiple trophic levels, from producers (plankton) through tertiary consumers (seals, penguins, seagulls). Apr 7, 2005 · Abstract This book provides a synthesis of theoretical and empirical food web research. AI generated definition based on: Freshwater Ecology (Second Edition), 2010. Some graze on algae – rather like guinea pigs nibble the grass. Most of these aquatic species are tied together through the food web. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like At what level are plants considered on the food web?, At what level are zooplankton on the food web?, At what level are fish and crustaceans on the food web? and more. A food chain is a simple linkage of producers to consumers through feeding relationships. They show how energy and nutrients move through different levels in an ecosystem. Oct 19, 2023 · A food web is a detailed description of the species within a community and their relationships with each other; it shows how energy is transferred up food chains that are interlinked with other food chains. Organisms on the first trophic level, such as plants and algae, are consumed by organisms on the second trophic level, such as conchs and blue tangs. For example, the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), which is part of the terrestrial food chain, also feeds on small fish which live in an aquatic environment. A food chain is a linear sequence showing how energy moves from producers, such as plants and algae, to various levels of consumers, including herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, culminating in apex predators. They are critical components of food chains in all marine environments (see Figure 1 in the article on community ecology) because they provide nutrition for the nekton (e. org. Look at the Lake Superior Food Web Answer this question: How many trophic levels are in the Lake Superior food web? Definition of Trophic level: A trophic level is the group of organisms within an ecosystem which occupy the same level in a food chain. Food chains intertwine locally into a food web because most organisms consume more than one type of animal or plant. Food Chains and Food Webs In ecology, a food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass: primary producers, primary consumers, and higher-level consumers are used to describe ecosystem structure and dynamics. Read more. In the food web, the food networks are interconnected. In contrast, a food web shows a complex network where many food chains altogether show the interrelation of organisms. g. Jun 16, 2024 · Phytoplankton are microscopic marine algae. Primary consumers, like herbivores, eat producers. Food Web and its Function What is a Food Web? A food web is a diagram of the links among species in an ecosystem – essentially who eats what. Sep 17, 2024 · Aquatic food webs are intricate systems that illustrate the complex relationships between organisms in aquatic environments, involving producers like phytoplankton and consumers such as fish and marine mammals. These models help organize and understand the relationships between living things in an ecosystem. This means aquatic organisms may feed on terrestrial ones and vice versa. Jul 23, 2025 · The diagram of the food web explains the network of food chains. A food chain outlines the linear sequence of events in an ecosystem where living organisms consume one another. They describe interactions between species and their environment, and subsequent advances in the understanding of their structure, function, and dynamics Mar 22, 2024 · Comprehensive overview of phytoplankton: major groups, ecological importance in aquatic food webs, and environmental factors influencing distribution. It moves through the atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere. A food chain is a particular sequence where each member of the web is eaten by the other. Even when all organisms are grouped into appropriate Macroinvertebrates play an important role in aquatic food webs as they are major food sources for higher trophic levels. Many species Nov 6, 2023 · Zooplankton are tiny creatures that live in watery environments and form the base of the food web in many aquatic environments. Figure 19 1 1: Example of simplified food chains (a) and food webs (b) of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. , sea squirts and Mar 24, 2024 · Food webs can also help us study and explain how the variety of species is related to how they fit into the whole food chain. On the other hand Phytoplankton Phytoplankton are considered as an important primary producer in the aquatic ecosystems that could suffer from microplastic contamination with consequent larger impacts on the aquatic food webs. Tiny plants and algae get eaten by small animals, which in turn are eaten by larger animals, like fish and birds. Ecological Importance of Food Chains and Food Webs Definition and Importance of Food Chains and Food Webs Food chains and food webs are basic concepts in ecology. Definition and Characteristics Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic bacteria known for their blue-green pigments. Trophic Level pyramid with examples. Microscopic plant-like organisms called phytoplankton are the base of the marine food web, and they play a key role in removing carbon dioxide from the air. The green crab, for example, is a consumer as well as a decomposer. There is a single path through the chain. Learn more about food chains in this article. Classical macrodescriptors and recent network metrics are evaluated for each marine food web example. The size and diversity of the planktonic algae community determines the diversity of the zooplankton community that can be supported as well as the small fish community. Food chain, its types and eg. Fish is among the world’s most valuable items of global trade, worth USD 164 billion in 2018. Oct 24, 2016 · Aquatic food webs Some macroinvertebrates are carnivorous – they feed on other creatures in the water. Unlike a food chain, which follows a single path from prey to predator, a food web includes interconnected and overlapping relationships. They are complicated webs that represent the flow of energy. Food webs are defined as those which are non-estuarine, non-coastal, and larger in scale than food webs typically and classically studied (i. Figures 1 and 2 show examples of typical terrestrial and aquatic food webs, respectively. It encompasses multiple food chains, making it a more comprehensive tool for understanding ecological dynamics. Phytoplankton form the base of — and sustain — the aquatic food web, [16] and Before we look at the difference Between Food Chain and Food Web, let’s understand what a food chain is: A food chain is a linear flow of energy and nutrients from one organism to another. They are microscopic, single-celled organisms that live in aquatic ecosystems. define the terms aquatic, ecosystem, and food web; 2. The organisms examined for the study were two common types of crustaceous zooplankton that differ in size and feeding behavior. Carbon is an element that is the basis of all forms of life on Earth. A food web can be termed as A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains that illustrates how energy and nutrients flow through an ecosystem. See full list on sciencelearn. 6 days ago · Aquatic food webs show how plants and animals are connected through feeding relationships. It shows how diferent food chains in an ecosystem are linked together, with organisms having multiple feeding relationships. This organic matter, composed of decomposing plant and animal material, plays a critical role in various ecological processes. In addition to their role as primary consumers processing live organic material, they also serve as detritivores, consuming decomposing organic matter; predators, consuming macroinvertebrates and other small organisms; and prey, serving as food for fish, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic birds, and mammals. Unlike linear food chains, food webs demonstrate the complexity of these relationships. The reports include: Coastal Hazards, Marine Ecosystems and Fisheries However, in most ecosystems, energy flow is much more complicated than a linear chain. At the base of the ocean food web are single-celled algae and other plant-like organisms known as phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are crucial to the aquatic ecosystem biology and climate. Aug 20, 2025 · Learn what a food web is, see examples, and explore its parts, types, importance, and threats in this comprehensive ecology guide. Primary producers are autotrophs that primarily use photosynthesis to produce biomass from inorganic compounds. Each organism sits at a particular trophic level; for instance, the primary producers, such as grass, sit at trophic level 1, and the apex predators sit at trophic level 4 or 5. Plus examples and food web classroom resources and activities. Sep 17, 2025 · Learn about food chains and food webs with examples, trophic levels, types, and differences. The relatively flat land extending outward on both sides of a stream or river is called the floodplain. The interdependence of species within a food web emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, as the stability of the ecosystem relies on the intricate relationships between organisms at different levels of the Oct 16, 2024 · Food chains and food webs are fundamental concepts in ecology that describe the flow of energy and nutrients through ecosystems. Food webs can be categorized into different types, including terrestrial and aquatic food webs, depending on their respective ecosystems. This process involves the decomposition of particulate detritus by bacteria, making energy-rich organic carbon available to support aquatic food webs. [5] They are often food generalists and have therefore been classified into five main groups called functional feeding groups. They possess advantages for bioassessments due to their wide distribution, sedentary behavior, long lifecycles, and diverse species offering various sensitivities to Jan 2, 2025 · Primary Consumers, Food Chain and Food Web To understand the primary consumer, it is necessary to understand the concept of the food chain and food web. Food chains do not accurately describe most ecosystems. Both food chains and food webs, shares three types of organisms in a food chain: producers, consumers and decomposers. The crab will eat dead things or living things if it can catch them. Apr 8, 2024 · Ecological Role: Occupying a central position in the aquatic food web, zooplankton primarily feed on phytoplankton, bacterioplankton, other zooplankton, and even nektonic organisms. Aquatic-terrestrial contaminant subsidies originating in the aquatic environment can be transported across ecosystem boundaries, primarily mediated by organisms. Whether they are binary systems or weighted networks, food Aquatic ecology is defined as the study of the interactions between organisms and their aquatic environments, which is important for understanding water cycles, conservation, and the maintenance of water quality. Food webs show how energy flows through an ecosystem. Discover examples of producers and consumers Sep 17, 2024 · Aquatic food webs are intricate systems that illustrate the complex relationships between organisms in aquatic environments, involving producers like phytoplankton and consumers such as fish and marine mammals. Includes diagrams, FAQs, and NEET-based MCQs for Class 12 Biology. In this case, a food web can be used to represent these feeding interactions between trophic levels. Every ecosystem, or community of living things, has one or more… Mar 26, 2025 · Aquatic food systems support 800M+ lives, offer sustainable nutrition, & are key to food security, yet face challenges from waste & overfishing. There is usually a diverse array of aquatic life, with a few examples including algae, snails, fish, beetles, water bugs, frogs, turtles, otters, and muskrats. Apr 10, 2025 · Aquatic food webs are the intricate networks of feeding relationships in water-based ecosystems, starting with producers and moving through various levels of consumers. They ingest tiny pieces of food suspended in the water. nz Aquatic food webs can be characterized by the number of trophic levels and the amount of biomass in each level. It highlights the feeding relationships between different organisms, including producers, consumers, and decomposers, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance. Jun 23, 2025 · Revision notes on Aquatic Food Webs for the DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS) syllabus, written by the Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS) experts at Save My Exams. In a balanced ecosystem, they provide food for a wide range of sea creatures. Plankton plays a vital role in aquatic food chains, food webs, and trophic pyramids. A balanced food web is essential to any marine or fresh water system, and can be an indicator of habitat quality. In aquatic ecosystems, things like excess nutrient inputs, chemical contaminants and overfishing can interrupt the flow of energy and nutrients through the ecosystem, creating an unhealthy, unproductive and ecologically unsustainable environment. Food Webs A food web is made up of interconnected food chains. Countless billions of one-celled organisms, called phytoplankton, saturate sunlit upper-ocean waters worldwide. Trophic level 2 (T2) consists of herbivorous fish, benthic invertebrates. May 21, 2025 · Aquatic Food Webs The aquatic food web includes the following trophic levels: Trophic level 1 (T1), primary producers, include aquatic plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. Through their consumption and processing of phytoplankton and other food sources, zooplankton play a role in aquatic food webs, as a resource for consumers on higher trophic levels (including fish), and as a conduit for packaging the organic material in the biological pump. They may also show important things about how invasive species interact with native species in a certain ecosystem. The difference between the food chain and the food web is mainly due to the network of links and the number of trophic levels the organisms form in the different ecosystems. It beter represents the real-life feeding interactions among various species in an ecosystem. We have discussed about Food Web and its importance here. Oct 24, 2025 · Marine ecosystem - Plankton, Microbes, Zooplankton: Plankton are the numerous, primarily microscopic inhabitants of the pelagic environment (see Figure 3). Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like food web vs food chain, food web, food chain and more. Definition of Trophic Cascade A trophic cascade occurs when predators influence the structure and population dynamics of their prey, which in turn affects the entire ecosystem. Food Chains and Food Webs The energy and matter produced by plants and other autotrophs are distributed to other organisms in an ecosystem through pathways known as food chains and food webs. Definition of Food Web A food web consists of interconnected food chains within an ecosystem. Level One: Photoautotrophs The foundation of the sea's food chain is largely invisible. A food web is a complex representation of the feeding relationships among organisms within an ecosystem, illustrating how energy and nutrients flow through various species. Explore the producers and consumers of this ecosystem, then take a quiz. As the carbon recycles, it is reused by numerous organisms. They describe interactions between species and their environment, and subsequent advances in the understanding of their structure, function, and dynamics Jul 23, 2025 · The diagram of the food web explains the network of food chains. This chain of events shows the Mar 3, 2004 · Home : Understanding : Lake Ecology : The Food Web The Food Web The biological communities within lakes may be organized conceptually into food chains and food webs to help us understand how the ecosystem functions (Figures 12 and 13). This report is one of a series of reports from that conference. explain how the organisms in an aquatic environment are dependent upon each other. The interactions between water, land and other elements such as carbon are important processes and affect everything from the smallest critters like zooplankton to large fish like northern pike. Unlike a linear food chain, a food web demonstrates the complexity of interactions among producers, consumers, and decomposers. Pictures represent the organisms that make up the food web, and their feeding relationships are typically shown with arrows. In marine environments, food webs can vary significantly based on habitat types, such as Food chain, in ecology, the sequence of transfers of matter and energy in the form of food from organism to organism. The food web generally links the food chains that are present in the community of the ecosystem. Aquatic ecosystems are vital habitats, resources, and recreational spaces for humans Food Webs Background Food webs are dynamic and complex. They are shown in a series or a succession to represent energy flow from one tropic level to another. This facilitates the incorporation of their ecological roles into research studies The microbial loop is defined as a trophic pathway where dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is returned to higher trophic levels through its incorporation into bacterial biomass, which is then linked to phytoplankton and zooplankton productivity. An aquatic food web describes the connections between organisms in water-based environments, showing how energy transfers from one species to another. Apr 7, 2005 · Request PDF | Aquatic Food Webs: An Ecosystem Approach | This book provides a synthesis of theoretical and empirical food web research. Feb 21, 2023 · Trophic Level The trophic levels refer to the position of a group of organisms in the food chain, food web, or ecological pyramid based on their feeding pattern. AI For example, there are marine food webs (in the ocean), aquatic food webs (in freshwater), soil food webs (in the ground), and microbial food webs (involving tiny living things). Humans consume plants and animals from across the aquatic food web. How does it work. Understanding the importance of detritus in food webs not only enhances our insight into ecosystem dynamics but also underscores the Macroinvertebrates are defined as vital components of aquatic food webs that link organic matter and nutrient resources to higher trophic levels, serving as the most popular bioindicator group for biomonitoring rivers globally. Each food chain is one possible path that energy and nutrients may take as they move through the ecosystem. Phytoplankton are photosynthesizing microscopic protists and bacteria that inhabit the upper sunlit layer of marine and fresh water bodies of water on Earth. It can photosynthesis, where they are the primary producer of the aquatic food web, and any alternative in their productiveness ought to have a sizable effect on biodiversity, fisheries, and human food supply, and the pace of global warming. Nov 21, 2023 · Learn about the freshwater food chain and web in this informative video lesson. Most communities include various populations of producer organisms which are eaten by any number of consumer populations. Explore the ocean food web, the complex network of organisms, and how they eat each other to survive. Aquatic Food Web Extension Activity for "Water Webs" Objectives: Students will be able to: 1 . Food webs are the combination of all the food chains in an ecosystem. The second trophic level (primary consumers) is Scientists study aquatic food webs by collecting samples of different organisms, from bacteria, to phytoplankton, zooplankton and fish. Jul 23, 2025 · Definition of Phytoplankton: Phytoplankton are microscopic plant-like organisms that live in water and are the primary producers of the aquatic food web. Whether they are binary systems or weighted networks, food webs are of particular interest to ecologists by providing a macroscopic view of ecosystems. All of the interconnected and overlapping food chains in an ecosystem make up a food web. e Oct 19, 2023 · Most of these aquatic species are tied together through the food web. The food web consists of producers, consumers, and the decomposers. May 12, 2015 · Aquatic macroinvertebrates serve multiple functions in freshwater ecosystems. At the base of the food web are producers, such as plants and algae, which convert sunlight into chemical Ecosystems - AQA Freshwater pond food chain and food web A variety of ecosystems are spread across the world, each with distinctive interacting characteristics and components. Trophic level 3 (T3) includes fish A food chain presents a unique, connected path of energy flow in an ecosystem, whereas the food web explains how food chains overlap. Definition of Food Web The idea of a food web, which used to be called a food cycle, is usually given to Charles Elton, who first wrote about it in his Food Web: Definition: A food web is a more complex and interconnected network of food chains within an ecosystem. afw unmxc beu dtqiy cnltx ljrakw qnxiyb cix smw rdqqkfe fxd mythb qivm anvszv tor