Food - from seed to table

Nature's food chain

The Food Chain is the name for when one living organism eats another organism, and later that organism is consumed by another larger organism.

We humans are part of the Food Chain. We eat plants and animals of all kinds (but are not usually eaten animals).

The human Food Chain starts with plants (fruits and vegetables) and we eat meat from animals that also eat plants.

We are not 'at the top' of the Food Chain because we eat a mix of foods. Animals 'at the top' of the Food Chain only eat meat and have few or no predators of their own, like a tiger, crocodile, or boa constrictor.

What is a food chain?

Do you know where it comes from?

Our food originates from both plants and animals.

Plants provide fruits, vegetables, grains, and other staples.

Animals contribute meat, eggs, dairy products, and other animal-based foods.

Which countries produce what?

The most widely cultivated agricultural foods worldwide are cow's milk, sugar cane, corn, wheat, and rice.

China, the United States, Russia, Brazil, and India, five of the world’s most biggest food producers, are also in the top ten countries selling food around the world (export).

In 2020, soybeans were the highest-value exported goods for the United States, reaching an export value of $25.8 billion.

In 2020, China was the leading producer of over 30 crops, including wheat, rice, tomatoes, and potatoes. Rice was the most widely produced crop, with a total of 353.1 million tons.

To find out more, click on the map.

Plant parts and life-cycle

Parts of a plant

Plant parts and their functions

How a Seed becomes a Plant?

Bean Time-Lapse - 25 days

Plant Life Cycle Diagram

The plant life cycle starts when a seed falls on the ground.
Seed Stage: The plant life cycle starts with a seed; every seed holds a miniature plant called the embryo. The seed is planted in the soil.
Germination Stage : The seed grows into a sprout.
Roots and Stems Stage : The roots continue to grow. The stem pushes its way up to the soil's surface.
Seedling Stage : The seedling grows out of the ground. The stem and its leaves grow toward the sunlight. The leaves make food for the plant.
Pollination Stage : The plant grows flowers. The flowers are pollinated by bees, animals, or the wind. The plant makes seeds.