What is the relationship between food webs and biodiversity?

What is the relationship between food webs and biodiversity?

Food webs illustrate how different species interact within an ecosystem, showing the flow of energy and nutrients. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat. A rich food web typically supports higher biodiversity, as more species can coexist and fulfill various ecological roles.

Can you give me an example of a food web?

Sure! In a forest ecosystem, a simple food web might include trees (producers), herbivores like deer (primary consumers), and predators like wolves (secondary consumers). Decomposers like fungi and bacteria break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.

How does a decrease in biodiversity affect food webs?

A decrease in biodiversity can destabilize food webs. If a key species is lost, it can lead to overpopulation of some species and extinction of others, disrupting the balance and function of the ecosystem.

What can we do to protect biodiversity?

We can protect biodiversity by conserving habitats, reducing pollution, supporting sustainable practices, and raising awareness about the importance of all species in an ecosystem.