Food Chains

By Rachelle FabionarBrandman University

October 7, 2010

Did you know that every time you run or jump, your body is using energy?

All living things get the energy they need to move and grow from the food they eat.

Do you know where that energy comes from?

It starts with the SUN !!!!

A food chain shows how each living thing gets its food.

Photosynthesis starts the chain of energy.

Plants are called producers because they are able to use light energy from the Sun to produce food (sugar) from carbon dioxide and water.

Animals that eat only plants are called herbivores (primary consumers).

carnivores that eat herbivores are called secondary consumers

Animals that eat other animals are called carnivores.

carnivores that eat other carnivores are called tertiary consumers

Animals and people who eat BOTH animals and plants are called omnivores.

Then there are decomposers (bacteria and fungi) which feed on decaying matter.

These decomposers speed up the decaying process that releases mineral salts back into the food chain for absorption by plants as nutrients.

Energy is passed from one link to another

Only a fraction of the energy passes on

Less and less energy passes up

The further along the food chain you go, the less food (and hence energy) remains available.

Can you make a food chain?

Producer

Primary Consumer

Secondary Consumer

Tertiary Consumer

Decomposer

http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/frogs/chain_reaction/play_chainreaction.cfm

Interactive websites where you can build your own food chain:

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/content/animals/kidscorner/foodchain/foodchain.htm

2. All organisms need energy and matter to live and grow. As a basis for understanding this concept:

a. Students know plants are the primary source of matter and energy entering most food chains.

b. Students know producers and consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and decomposers) are related in food chains and food webs and may compete with each other for resources in an ecosystem.

c. Students know decomposers, including many fungi, insects, and microorganisms, recycle matter from dead plants and animals.

4th Grade Content Standards - Life Science

http://www.earthmatters4kids.org/main.html

http://www.pbs.org/earthonedge/ecosystems/index.html

Resources to expand student learning