What defines the linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass?

The linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass is defined by a food chain. A food chain illustrates a straightforward pathway of energy flow, starting from a primary producer, such as a plant, and moving through various levels of consumers—herbivores and carnivores—ultimately leading to decomposers. This concept emphasizes the direct connections and relationships between different organisms in an ecosystem regarding their feeding habits.

In contrast, a food web consists of interconnected food chains and more complex interactions among organisms. An energy pyramid visually represents the energy flow and the distribution of energy at different trophic levels, indicating that energy decreases as it moves up from producers to top consumers. Biomass refers to the total mass of living matter within a given area or volume, explaining the quantity of bioresources but not the sequence of energy transfer. Hence, the food chain specifically provides the linear context that defines the flow of energy and nutrients among organisms.