What does a food web illustrate in an ecosystem?

A food web illustrates the flow of energy and nutrients between organisms within an ecosystem. It provides a complex representation of how different species interact through feeding relationships, showcasing who eats whom. This interconnected network highlights that energy from the sun is captured by producers (like plants), then passed on to consumers (herbivores and carnivores) as they form various feeding relationships. In a food web, multiple pathways are shown, as one organism can be part of several feeding interactions, illustrating the complexity and interdependence of ecosystem dynamics. This comprehensive perspective on energy transfer and nutrient cycling emphasizes the importance of each organism in maintaining the ecological balance.