food chain

• Иерархический ряд организмов, каждый из которых зависит от следующего как от источника пищи, или, в переносном смысле, конкурентная иерархия в любой системе, где каждый уровень зависит от нижестоящего или эксплуатирует его.

A hierarchical series of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food, or metaphorically, a competitive hierarchy in any system where each level depends on or exploits the one below.

1. Ecological hierarchyB2formal

   A series of organisms in an ecosystem where each organism is eaten by the next one in the chain, showing the flow of energy.

   Пищевая цепь

   • In a simple food chain, grass is eaten by rabbits, and rabbits are eaten by foxes.
   • Pollution can disrupt the entire food chain in a lake.
   • Scientists study the food chain to understand ecosystem health.

2. Corporate or social hierarchyB2informal

   A metaphorical hierarchy in a business or social context, where individuals or groups are ranked by power, influence, or status.

   Иерархия

   • In the corporate food chain, interns are at the bottom.
   • He worked his way up the food chain to become CEO.
   • Small businesses often struggle at the lower end of the economic food chain.