What is the main difference between a food chain and a food web?

The main difference between a food chain and a food web lies in their complexity and representation of energy flow in ecosystems. A food chain illustrates a single, linear sequence of who-eats-who, showcasing the direct feeding relationships between different organisms within an ecosystem. This linear path indicates a straightforward flow of energy from producers to apex predators. In contrast, a food web comprises multiple interconnected food chains, illustrating the complexity and vast network of feeding relationships that exist in an ecosystem.

Food webs provide a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystem dynamics because they reveal how various species interact through multiple pathways. The interactions highlighted in a food web demonstrate that organisms often have varied diets and participate in numerous feeding relationships, making the ecosystem more resilient to changes. Thus, the assertion that a food chain is less complex than a food web accurately captures this essential difference.