However, for the transfer of food energy to reach a carnivore, there must be a plant-eating animal in the chain. Food chains are usually interconnected. These interwoven chains make up a food web. For example, in the diagram below, an owl can be part of more than one chain. The sun's energy, reaching the earth in the form of solar radiation, drives all life and weather processes on earth.
Plants use the sun's energy to produce the basic food for all animals, including humans.
Without solar energy, all food chains would be destroyed at their first level and life on earth could not exist. Trees Trees are an important food source for herbivores. Their seeds, leaves, and bark provide food, as well as shelter and living space for many animals such as deer, hares, birds, raccoons, mice, squirrels, insects, and bears. There are many different types of grasses but they all have something in common. They provide food for many herbivorous animals, particularly small animals who are ground feeders and cannot reach taller plants and trees.