IGCSE Biology glossary
Food chain
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
A diagram showing the transfer of energy from one organism to the next, beginning with a producer. For example: grass → grasshopper → frog → snake.
What to include in an exam answer
Arrows show energy flow and must point from eaten to eater. Reversed arrows lose all marks for the diagram. Only about 10% of energy passes to the next trophic level; the rest is lost via respiration, movement, heat and uneaten parts.
Example in context
Reading energy flow: 'In the food chain grass → grasshopper → frog, the arrows show energy being transferred from the producer to the consumers.'
Related syllabus topic
Organisms & their environment