Definitions
Food Web:
A food web is a system of interlocking and interdependent food chains.
Food Chain:
A food chain is a linear network of links in a food web starting from producer organisms and ending at apex predator species, detritivores, or decomposer species.
Producers
All plants, such as grass and trees, are producers. These organisms absorb the sun’s energy and convert the energy into food for themselves, allowing them to grow larger, make flowers and seeds, etc.
Consumers
These organisms, mostly animals, eat producers and/or other animals. They may also eat decomposers. Two examples of consumers are deer (eat plants) and wolves (eat animals). Consumers that only eat plants (herbivores) are often known as primary consumers.
Decomposers
These organisms break down dead material (such as a fallen tree) into soil and return nutrients to the soil so they can be re-used by producers to create food. An example of a decomposer is a mushroom.
Detritivores
Detritivores are a special type of decomposer. These refer to the class of organisms that feeds on detritus or organic waste. (Detritus is organic matter composed of dead trees, plants and animals.)