Which statement best explains the relationship between a food chain and a food web?

• A. A food chain and a food web are identical and can be used interchangeably.
• B. A food web only includes producers and primary consumers, while a food chain includes all trophic levels.
• C. A food chain is more complex than a food web because it shows all possible feeding relationships.
• D. A food web consists of multiple interconnected food chains within an ecosystem.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the definitions of a food chain and a food web. A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms where nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another. A food web, on the other hand, is a more complex network of interconnected food chains within an ecosystem.
2. Step 2: Analyze the differences between the two. A food chain represents a single pathway of energy flow, while a food web illustrates multiple pathways and interactions among organisms in an ecosystem.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the options provided in the problem. Eliminate incorrect statements by comparing them to the definitions and characteristics of food chains and food webs. For example, the statement 'A food chain is more complex than a food web' is incorrect because food webs are inherently more complex.
4. Step 4: Focus on the correct statement: 'A food web consists of multiple interconnected food chains within an ecosystem.' This accurately describes the relationship between the two concepts.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer highlights the interconnected nature of food chains within a food web, emphasizing the complexity and interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem.