G4 – Energy Flow in the Environment FK 5.7 500 – 600L_04

A food chain is a a very simplistic model of the flow of energy. Food chains do not show all the possible ways energy can flow. Instead of food chain models, scientists typically use food webs to explain the flow of energy in a habitat. Food webs can contain many food chains, but even food webs have their limits. For example, an eagle may be part of a land food web. They may also be part of a marine food web.

You notice all the living things are all already getting their dinner. The plants are making and eating their own food from sunlight. The horses are eating the grass in the pasture to get energy, and the hawk is high in the sky looking for its next meal. Finally, your bag is now filled with blueberries, ready for tomorrow’s delicious breakfast. You and your sister are headed back to the house. Your stomach is telling you how much you want to play your role in the food chain.