An Australian site with definitions for the elements of a food web, and information on pyramids of numbers (biomass), and water, carbon and oxygen cycles.

The Science Bob Archives – What is the difference between a food web and a food chain?

A basic site which explains biomass pyramids with a great diagram of an African biomass pyramid, which really gets the point across.

General food web facts on a bright and easy to read page, linking to a page of pictures that can be cut out and included in a food web or food chain, and also to a food chain poem that can be sung to the tune “I know an old woman that swallowed a fly”

A deciduous forest energy pyramid details the make up of an American deciduous forest food web. It discusses biomass, and also the roles of the animals on each trophic level, the highlight of which is the large diagram of an energy pyramid, with bears as the apex predator.

Relationships between marine species come under the microscope in this website about Symbiosis. Forms of symbiosis explained are Commensalism, Mutualism, and Parasitism.

Seabirds: the forgotten apex predators, by Vasiliki Karpouzi A more complex article about the interaction between humans and seabirds vying to be the apex predators of the marine environment. The article also points to the need for more research into the role of avian species in the marine environment, and the concerns for their continued existence as marine fish stocks plummet world wide.

Another type of predator... This time it’s an insect predator that feeds of the larvae of others…. Haven’t figured it out yet? It’s a Lady bird!!!! This North American site lists biological control agents for many different pests, including aphids, whilst some species will also attack mealy bugs, both of which frustrate gardeners and farmers world wide.

The Australian mealy bug killer…. yet another useful Aussie!

An American site about the largest of all canines, an apex predator native to northern America – The Wolf.

Download some Tiger wall paper here!

A simple definition of Detritivores and their role in the environment. A section of an English gardening site.

Build a worm farm!!! This site contains all the instructions you need to build a worm farm, and examine the helpful, aerating properties of these fascinating creatures.

A fantastic page about decomposers, including bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes (fungi like bacteria)

MAGGOTS!!!! Learn about the role this creature plays in the recycling of detritus matter. Both positive and negative aspects are explored on this colourful page. WARNING: Not for the weak of stomach!

What are dung beetles? This Australian Museum website includes diagrams of dung beetles and information about average beetle size, what they eat, their lifecycle, why they are important, research into the dung beetle, and schools involved in dung beetle projects. Be sure to click through to ‘research & collections’ for interesting topics.

Dung Beetles Part 1. Learn about the importance of Dung beetles, and the very important part they play in keeping Australia beautiful!

Dung Beetles Part 2. The ancient Egyptians worshipped them, and Australia can’t do without them… continue on the saga of the Dung beetle. Written by Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki, Australia’s favourite science writer. Don’t forget to click on Karl Trek to read about more Australian scientific adventures.

An Australian site, listing the impact of feral animals on Australian wildlife through means of competition, predation and habitat destruction. Feral animals listed include Rabbits, Foxes, Cats, Goats, Horses, and Pigs.

An Australian site entitled ‘Competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit- key threatening process declaration. This report details the findings of the NSW Scientific committee on the impact of feral rabbits on the Australian environment.

An Australian site, containing many activities and teachers notes for both primary and secondary levels. The ‘build your own food web’ section is particularly impressive, as it enables you to create an Australian Grasslands food web out of animals that most students can identify.

Identify the elements of a food web, and then draw your own on the back of this interesting activity sheet.

An American lesson plan, featuring resources to create your own webs and chains. It also traces biological magnification through food chains.