Toiduvõrkude

Toiduvõrkude, also known as food webs, are interconnected systems of living organisms within an ecosystem that illustrate the feeding relationships between them. They depict how energy flows through an environment, starting with producers like plants, which create their own food through photosynthesis. These producers are then consumed by primary consumers, also known as herbivores. Secondary consumers, which can be carnivores or omnivores, feed on primary consumers. Tertiary consumers, often apex predators, are at the top of the food web, preying on secondary consumers.

A food web is a more complex and realistic representation than a simple food chain. While a food chain shows a single pathway of energy transfer, a food web illustrates multiple overlapping chains, showing that most organisms consume and are consumed by more than one type of organism. This complexity highlights the intricate balance within an ecosystem. The removal or decline of a single species can have cascading effects throughout the entire food web, impacting other populations. Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role by breaking down dead organic matter from all trophic levels, returning essential nutrients to the soil, which then supports the producers. Understanding food webs is vital for ecological research and conservation efforts.