What is the main difference between a food chain and a food web in ecological systems?

• A. A food chain includes only producers and consumers, while a food web includes decomposers as well.
• B. A food chain is a complex network of feeding relationships, while a food web is a simple linear sequence.
• C. A food chain represents the energy flow in aquatic ecosystems, while a food web represents terrestrial ecosystems.
• D. A food chain shows a single linear path of energy flow, while a food web shows multiple interconnected paths.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the basic 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 complex network of interconnected food chains within an ecosystem.
2. Step 2: Consider the structure of a food chain. It typically starts with a primary producer (like plants) and moves up to various consumers (herbivores, carnivores, etc.). This represents a single path of energy flow.
3. Step 3: Examine the structure of a food web. It includes multiple food chains and shows how they overlap and interconnect, illustrating the various paths through which energy and nutrients flow in an ecosystem.
4. Step 4: Reflect on the ecological significance. A food chain simplifies the energy flow by showing a direct line, while a food web provides a more comprehensive view of the ecosystem's complexity and the interdependence of organisms.
5. Step 5: Conclude by recognizing that the main difference is the complexity and interconnectedness in a food web compared to the simplicity and linearity of a food chain.