Food Chain A path of food consumption beginning with the sun. Example: Sun Grass Rabbit Hawk Bacteria

Tropic Levels Level of consumption in a food chain. Autotrophs or Producers Herbivores or Primary Consumers Carnivores or Secondary Consumers Decomposers

Autotrophs This is the first trophic level. or Producers make their own food through photosynthesis. The sun is needed for photosynthesis. This is the first trophic level. Which organism below would be an autotroph ? Sun Grass Rabbit Hawk Bacteria

Herbivores This is the next trophic level. Primary Consumers eat the plants which are the autotrophs. This is the next trophic level. Which organism below would be an Herbivore ? Sun Grass Rabbit Hawk Bacteria

Carnivores This is the third trophic level. Secondary Consumers eat the primary consumers. There can also be tertiary consumers that eat the secondary consumers. This is the third trophic level. Which organism below would be an Secondary Consumer ? Sun Grass Rabbit Hawk Bacteria

Decomposers Decomposers break down the dead plants and animals. This turns them back into soil which the plants need. This is the last trophic level. Which organism below would be an Decomposer? Sun Grass Rabbit Hawk Bacteria

Forest Food Chain Sun Grass Grasshopper Toad Snake Hawk Bacteria

Food Webs Most food chains are interconnected. Animals typically consume a varied diet and, in turn, serve as food for a variety of other creatures that prey on them. These interconnections create food webs. Try creating three interactive food webs by clicking on the link below: FOOD WEB FUN

Works Cited http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/F/FoodChains.html http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/food/food_menu.htm http://www.coralreefnetwork.com/educate/shows/foodwebs/slide1.htm l