food web

noun

: the totality of interacting food chains in an ecological community

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Studies such as the one conducted by the scientists in Beijing showing the food web relationships between predators and prey can help ecologists develop restoration projects that include actions like reintroducing predator species. Meaghan Tobin, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2023 Although the phenomenon has come as a surprise to scientists, Levi says the revival of the two species in the region may in fact be reconnecting an ancient food web. Byjack Tamisiea, science.org, 23 Jan. 2023 Shifts in the marine food web could also have severe impacts on marine mammals. Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 11 Sep. 2019 The lake’s salinity levels have risen dramatically in recent years, nearing dangerous thresholds for the creatures at the base of its food web. Evan Bush, NBC News, 21 Jan. 2023 With far less security in the food web than their dinosaur counterparts, mammals spent the late Cretaceous trying to gain a small, furry foothold in a landscape dominated by giant reptiles. Corinne Purtillstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2022 That distinction changes things for ecosystem managers since omnivorous fish are food web stabilizers. Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 4 Sep. 2018 Rising salinity threatens worms, crustaceans and other organisms that make up the base of the sea’s food web and has killed off many of its fish species. Brent Haddad, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2023 The resulting dredged lakebed could also stifle microbialites, which are the foundation of the lake’s food web, and mix toxic material into the water column, researchers caution. Leia Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 29 Dec. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'food web.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of food web was in 1932

Dictionary Entries Near food web

Cite this Entry

“Food web.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food%20web. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

food web

noun
: the whole group of interacting food chains in an ecological community

More from Merriam-Webster on food web

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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