Food Webs

Food Web

A food web is a system of food chains which connect and interact with each other. Food Webs basically make up the entire system of feeding in the ecosystem. Food webs show the of energy transfer through multiple organisms. Each food web consists of the organisms both autotrophic and heterotrophic which make up the ecosystem. Each food web is made up of different trophic levels. The trophic levels represent their place on the food chain and their place in the ecosystem. For example the herbivores who feed on the self sufficient producers are the primary consumers who place on the 1st trophic level. However the carnivores who feed on the herbivores will be placed on the 2nd trophic level. (Refer to food chains article for futher knowledge on trophic levels)

There are four types of consumers in an ecosystem. Producers, Herbivores, Carnivores and Omnivores. Producers process their own food from simple sugars such as sunlight through the process of photosynthesis. Herbivores feed on the producers generally plant life but cannot process food from simple sugars like producers can. Carnivores feed on other animals this can include herbivores, omnivores, and other carnivores. Omnivores feed on both plants and animals.

Types of Consumers And Trophic Levels In Shown Food Web

Producers:

Grass

Grains

Herbivores:

Grasshopper (Primary Consumer, First Trophic Level)

Rabbit (Primary Consumer, First Trophic Level)

Omnivores:

Mouse (Secondary Consumer, Second Trophic Level)

Duck (Secondary Consumer, Second Trophic Level)

Carnivores:

Fox (Tertiary Consumer, Third Trophic Level)

Owl (Tertiary Consumer, Third Trophic Level)