What Is a Food Chain?

View Transcript Hide Transcript A squirrel is a forest herbivore. Herbivores are the second link in a forest food chain. © www.istockphoto.com/HGFilm

A squirrel is a forest herbivore. Herbivores are the second link in a forest food chain.

You can find a food chain wherever you find plants, animals, and other living things. A food chain is formed when energy is passed from one plant or animal to another. Plants and animals in the forest use the energy from their food for many things. Energy from food helps plants grow leaves and fruit, and it helps animals swim, fly, and sing. Living things also use the nutrients from their food to grow and to keep their bodies strong.

Every creature in the forest has its own way of getting food. Plants get their energy from the sun and their nutrients from the soil. When an animal eats a plant, the plant’s energy is passed through the food chain.