A complex network showing all the interconnected feeding relationships in an ecosystem, including multiple food chains that overlap and intersect. It shows how energy and nutrients flow through an ecosystem via various pathways.
Combination of 'food' from Old English 'fōda' and 'web' from Old English 'webb' meaning 'woven fabric.' The ecological term emerged in the mid-20th century as scientists recognized the complexity beyond simple food chains.
Food webs reveal that ecosystems are incredibly interconnected - remove one species and the effects ripple through the entire network! This is why the loss of seemingly 'unimportant' species can cause unexpected ecosystem collapses.
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