Food Chains and Webs

In every ecosystem, living things depend on each other for energy. The sun gives energy to the plants. Plants do not need to search for food. They make food by themselves through a process called photosynthesis. Plants are called producers, because they produce their own food. Animals that find their food are called consumers.

Different kinds of animals and insects will eat the plants for energy. Consumers that only eat plants are called herbivores. Here are some examples of different herbivores.

Some animals eat other animals to receive energy. These consumers are called carnivores. Here are some examples of different carnivores.

Some consumers eat both plants and animals to receive energy. These animals are called omnivores, and they don't have a preference about what they eat. They eat whatever they find. Here are some examples of different omnivores.

When animals and plants die, their bodies start to decay over time. Some animals eat the dead plants and animals for energy. These animals are called decomposers, and they help clean our soil. Here are some examples of decomposers.

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