Which statement best contrasts food chains and food webs?

• A. A food chain shows a single linear pathway of energy flow, while a food web illustrates multiple interconnected food chains within an ecosystem.
• B. A food web is always shorter than a food chain in terms of trophic levels.
• C. Food chains and food webs both show only the flow of energy between decomposers and producers.
• D. A food chain includes only producers, while a food web includes only consumers.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the definitions of a food chain and a food web. A food chain represents a single linear pathway of energy flow through an ecosystem, showing how energy moves from one organism to another. A food web, on the other hand, illustrates multiple interconnected food chains, representing the complex interactions and energy flow within an ecosystem.
2. Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'A food chain shows a single linear pathway of energy flow, while a food web illustrates multiple interconnected food chains within an ecosystem.' This statement aligns with the definitions of food chains and food webs and is likely correct.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'A food web is always shorter than a food chain in terms of trophic levels.' This is incorrect because food webs often include multiple food chains with varying trophic levels, making them more complex and not necessarily shorter.
4. Step 4: Assess the third statement: 'Food chains and food webs both show only the flow of energy between decomposers and producers.' This is incorrect because food chains and food webs show energy flow across all trophic levels, including producers, consumers, and decomposers.
5. Step 5: Examine the fourth statement: 'A food chain includes only producers, while a food web includes only consumers.' This is incorrect because food chains and food webs include producers, consumers, and decomposers, representing the entire ecosystem's energy flow.