Short Food Chain-Example and Advantages

Food chains in ecosystems are often short due to energy losses and inefficiencies at each trophic level, which limits the number of organisms that can be supported in a linear sequence of consumption.

A short food chain is more favorable than a long food chain as less energy is lost, allowing for more support of consumers at higher trophic levels compared to a longer chain.

Example of Short Food Chain

Here’s an example of a short food chain in an ecosystem.

In a grassland ecosystem where grass is the primary producer. A rabbit eats the grass and is the primary consumer. A snake preys on the rabbit and is the secondary consumer, and finally, an eagle preys on the snake and is the tertiary consumer.

What do you think would happen if a disease wiped out all of the grass in the grassland in food chain?

Hint: (If a disease wiped out all of the grass in the grassland, it would disrupt the food chain and could lead to a decline in the populations of the primary consumers, such as rabbits, which depends on the grass as a food source.)

Advantages of Short Food Chain In An Ecosystem

There are following advantages of a short food chain in an ecosystem:

• Energy Efficiency
• Reduced Environmental Impact
• Increased Food Safety (Reduced contamination)
• Support for Local Communities
• Greater stability