Entry last updated: 25/08/23
Introduction
A food chain refers to the order in which living things, such as plants and animals, depend on each other for food. For example, an eel eats a small fish, which eats a caddis fly. A food web is a group of food chains, within an ecosystem. In a stream habitat, the small fish is also eaten by a heron. So the fish and the caddis fly are part of two food chains.
General websites
These websites help you learn about food chains
Britannica School is one of the EPIC resources. EPIC is a collection of reliable databases covering lots of different topics. It is put together especially for New Zealand school students.
Enter the keywords 'food chain' in the search bar.
Go to food chain.
Look at the image for how food chains work.
Tips: To get to the EPIC resources you will need a password from your school librarian first. Or you can chat with one of our AnyQuestions librarians between 1 and 6pm Monday to Friday and they will help you online. Some EPIC databases may also be available through your public library.
There are lots of great videos on this website about food chains and food webs.
To search, select the little image of a magnifying glass on the far right of the list of topics.
Enter 'food chains' into the search bar.
Watch a video like Fabulous Food Chains and The Dirt on Decomposers.
A free to use site with educational videos on a range of topics. This site provides more detail on food chains.
Enter the keyword 'food chain' in the search bar.
Select food chains & food webs.
Tips: To browse, use the search feature or select 'Courses' at the top of the page. Note : Khan Academy does not work in Internet Explorer.
Books
Your school or local library may have books about food chains. Here are some suggestions:
What are food chains and webs? by Bobbie Kalman, Jacqueline Langille
Food chains by Carol S. Surges
Food chains and webs by Abbie Dunne
Food chain frenzy by Anne Capeci and John Spiers.
SCIS no. 5402377
Topics covered
Related content
Creepy-crawlies (NZ)
Where can I find information about creepy-crawlies of New Zealand?
Animals (junior)
Where can I find facts and information about different animals?
Water cycle (junior)
Where can I find facts and information about the water cycle?
Food
Where can I find information about food?
Ecosystems (junior)
Where can I find information about ecosystems?
Photosynthesis
Where can I find information about photosynthesis?