Explain Food Chain and Food Web.

Food Chain:
A food chain is a linear representation of the transfer of energy and nutrients in an ecosystem, illustrating the flow of food from one organism to another. It starts with producers (usually plants or algae) that produce their own food through photosynthesis. Herbivores, or primary consumers, feed on these producers. Carnivores, or secondary consumers, then consume the herbivores. The chain continues with tertiary consumers, quaternary consumers, and so on. Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down dead organisms and organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil. Each link in the food chain represents a trophic level.

Food Web:
A food web is a more complex and interconnected representation of feeding relationships within an ecosystem. Unlike a linear food chain, a food web includes multiple interconnected food chains, reflecting the various feeding interactions in an ecosystem. It recognizes that organisms often have multiple food sources and can be part of different chains simultaneously. This complexity provides a more accurate portrayal of the intricate relationships between producers, consumers, and decomposers in an ecosystem, showcasing the interdependence of various species. Food webs highlight the diversity of species and the intricate balance that sustains ecosystems.