What is the primary source of energy in the food web?

The primary source of energy in the food web is the Sun. This is due to the process of photosynthesis, where green plants (producers) convert sunlight into chemical energy in the form of glucose. As primary producers, plants are the foundation of the food web, as they provide the essential energy that supports all levels of consumers, from herbivores to carnivores.

For example, when herbivores eat plants, they obtain the energy stored in the plant tissues. This energy is then passed up the food chain when carnivores consume herbivores. Thus, without the Sun's energy, the entire food web would collapse, as plants would not be able to grow and produce the food necessary for all other organisms. The reliance on sunlight is fundamental to the flow of energy in ecosystems, making it the key player in the energy dynamics of the food web.