IGCSE Biology glossary
Food web
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 interconnected food chains within an ecosystem. A food web is more realistic than a single food chain because most organisms feed on more than one species and are eaten by more than one predator.
What to include in an exam answer
In food web questions, you may be asked to predict the effect of removing one species. Trace all the arrows to and from that species. Consider both direct effects (predators lose food) and indirect effects (competitors may increase).
Example in context
Using a food web, predict what happens if the population of rabbits decreases (3 marks): The foxes that eat rabbits would have less food and their population may decrease. The grass that rabbits eat would increase because there is less grazing. Other herbivores that foxes also eat may be eaten more, so their populations may decrease.
Related syllabus topic
Organisms & their environment