Food Chains
All of the organisms in an ecosystem need energy from food. This energy can be traced back to the Sun when producers use its light energy to photosynthesize. The energy is passed to herbivores and omnivores when they eat the producers. Energy passes to carnivores when they feed on other animals. Decomposers get energy when they break down the remains of other organisms.
This energy pathway from the Sun to producers to consumers and decomposers is called a food chain. There are usually many food chains in an ecosystem.
In a food chain diagram, arrows are used to show the direction of the flow of energy. In an African savanna food chain, acacia trees use the energy from the Sun to make food. Energy is passed to giraffes when they use their long necks to feed on the leaves of the acacia trees. Energy is passed to lions when they prey on the giraffes.
Decomposers play an important role in food chains by recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. These organisms, which include bacteria and fungi, feed on dead plants and animals, breaking down their organic matter into simpler substances. Through this process, they return essential nutrients to the soil, water, and air, making them available for use by producers.
Related Printables.
Our Local Ecosystems
Ecosystems and Habitats
Wetland Ecosystems
Tropical Rainforest Ecosystems
Temperate Forest Ecosystems
Coral Reef Ecosystems
Producers, Consumers and Decomposers
Types of Consumers
Energy in Ecosystems – Comprehension
Food Chains
Food Webs
Review – Ecosystems
Assessment Pack
• printable PDF
• answer key
• marking guide