Food chain

(i) Constitutes for a single linear sequence of entities.

(ii) Members inhabiting higher trophic levels feed only on one type of entity.

(iii) Presence of separate or isolated food chains adds to the instability of the ecosystem.

(iv) It does not add to adaptability and competitiveness of the organisms.

Food web

(i) Consists of a number of interconnected food chains.

(ii) Any given individual has alternate options for food sources.

(iii) Presence of food webs increases the stability of the ecosystem.

(iv) Food webs increase adaptability and competitiveness of the organisms.