What is the interlocking pattern of food chains called?

​​Correct Answer:(c) Food Web

The interlocking pattern of multiple food chains within an ecosystem is called a food web. A food web represents the complex feeding relationships among different organisms, illustrating how energy and nutrients flow through an ecosystem. It is more realistic than a simple food chain because most organisms consume and are consumed by multiple species​

Food Web:
A system of interlocking and interdependent food chains, illustrating the relationships of what-eats-what in an ecosystem. It is also referred to as a consumer-resource system and highlights the flow of energy within an ecosystem.

Food Chain:
A linear sequence of organisms in which each is interrelated in their feeding habits, transferring energy from one to another.

Food Cycle:
A system of relationships in which organisms in a community depend on each other for food. This term is less commonly used and often overlaps with the concept of a food web.

Food System:
This involves all the processes related to feeding a population, including growing, harvesting, packaging, transporting, processing, marketing, consumption, and disposal. It integrates both biotic and abiotic factors of an ecosystem.

Food Web vs. Food Chain: A food web is more complex and represents multiple interconnected food chains, while a food chain shows a single pathway of energy flow.

Energy Flow: The food web visually demonstrates how energy moves through different trophic levels in an ecosystem.

Abiotic and Biotic Interaction: In food systems, abiotic factors like sunlight, soil, and water play a role alongside biotic factors such as plants and animals.

Understanding these terms helps in grasping the dynamics of ecosystems and energy transfer essential for ecological studies.