What does a food web illustrate?

A food web illustrates the complex feeding relationships in an ecosystem, showcasing how various organisms are interconnected through their roles as producers, consumers, and decomposers. It highlights the multiple pathways through which energy and nutrients flow, rather than presenting a simple linear chain of energy transfer. By mapping the interactions between different species, a food web provides a more comprehensive understanding of how energy is transferred and how different organisms rely on each other for survival. This interconnectedness is crucial for maintaining the balance of ecosystems, as it reveals how changes to one species can affect many others within the food web.