Question
Science Question on Ecosystem
Differentiate between food chain and food web. In a food chain consisting of deer, grass and tiger, if the population of deer decreases, what will happen to the population of organisms belonging to the first and third trophic levels?
Answer
Difference between food chain and food web:
Food Chain | Food Web |
---|---|
A linear sequence of organisms where energy flows in one direction. | A network of interconnected food chains showing multiple pathways of energy flow. |
It is simple and involves one path of energy transfer. | It is complex and involves many inter-linked food chains. |
Impact of decrease in deer population:
First trophic level (grass): The population of grass will increase because there will be fewer deer to consume it.
Third trophic level (tiger): The population of tigers will decrease because their food supply (deer) has reduced, leading to starvation or migration.