What distinguishes a food web from a food chain?

A food web is a more complex representation of the feeding relationships within an ecosystem, while a food chain simplifies these relationships into a linear sequence. This distinction highlights that a food web encompasses multiple interconnected food chains, showcasing how various organisms are related through different feeding pathways. Each organism can participate in multiple chains, reflecting the reality of ecosystems where organisms often consume various types of food and may be eaten by multiple predators.

The correct answer indicates that a food web is essentially an expanded version of a food chain, incorporating a broader range of interactions and connections between different species. This complexity allows for a more accurate depiction of the various trophic levels and the dynamic nature of energy flow through an ecosystem. Thus, while a food chain illustrates a straightforward route of energy transfer from one organism to another, the food web reveals the intricate network of feeding relationships that characterizes an ecosystem.