Ontario Grade 9 Science Class Practice Exam

What describes a food chain?

1. A diagram that shows the energy flow between organisms

2. A system of interlocking and interdependent food chains.

3. An organism that makes its own food

4. Series of steps in an ecosystem in which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten

The correct answer is: Series of steps in an ecosystem in which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten

A food chain is a series of steps in an ecosystem in which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten. This explains the interdependence of different organisms in a particular ecosystem. Option A is incorrect because a food chain is not just a diagram but a real-life process in nature. Option B is incorrect because it describes a food web, which is a network of interconnected food chains. Option C is incorrect because it describes an autotroph, which is an organism that can produce its own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. A food chain, on the other hand, involves both autotrophs and heterotrophs. Overall, option D best describes a food chain as it highlights the process and relationship between different organisms in an ecosystem.