Arrangement | It is arranged in a linear pattern i.e. the flow of energy is in a straight line. | It is arranged in a web-like pattern i.e. multiple food chains are connected like a web. |
Structure | Mainly consists of a single organism per trophic level in each chain. | Consists of more than one species per trophic level in each web. |
Food Option | No option for food except for the specific species. | Multiple food options. |
Number of Levels | Consists of mostly 3-4 trophic levels. | Can consist of 4-6 trophic levels. |
Adaptability and Competition | No adaptability and competition among organisms. | Adaptability and competition among organisms are present. |
The integrity of the Chain | If a species from any trophic level gets eliminated then the whole chain falls. | Loss of one or two species from any trophic level will not disintegrate the food web. |
Presence | Mostly in seen in ideal condition. | Naturally, ecosystems show a food chain in a web-like arrangement. |
Demonstrates | Demonstrates the relationship between organisms. | Demonstrates how the ecosystem and its biotic communities are structured and placed. |
Occurrence | It is only a single unit. | Multiple units of food chains are present. |
Significance | If present in an ecosystem, it increases the instability. | Helps in stabilizing the ecosystem by maintaining balance. |
Types | There are only two types of food chains; the grazing food chain, and the detritus food chain. | No specific type of food web is present. |
Example | Grass --> Grasshopper --> Frog --> Snake --> Hawk | Grass --> Grasshopper, rabbit, deer --> Frog, Weasels, Small bird, fox --> Small snake, Wolf, Cheetah, Hawk --> Lion, Eagle, Cobra |