Explain the concept of a food chain.

Explain the concept of a food chain.

A food chain is a linear sequence that shows the transfer of energy and nutrients from one organism to another in an ecosystem. It represents the flow of energy through different trophic levels, starting with producers (plants or autotrophs) that convert sunlight into food through photosynthesis. The primary consumers, also known as herbivores, feed on the producers. They are then consumed by secondary consumers, which can be carnivores or omnivores. The energy transfer continues through higher trophic levels, with each level consuming the one below it. At the end of the chain, decomposers break down the remains of dead organisms, returning nutrients to the environment. Overall, a food chain illustrates the interconnectedness and dependence of organisms on each other for energy and survival.