Which of the following correctly represents a typical food chain?

A typical food chain illustrates the flow of energy and nutrients through different trophic levels within an ecosystem. The correct representation in this case begins with a primary producer, followed by a series of consumers that rely on one another for energy.

In the correct option, the food chain starts with the buttercup, which is a primary producer that harnesses sunlight through photosynthesis, forming the foundation of the food web. This is followed by the caterpillar, a primary consumer that feeds on the buttercup. Next in the chain is the blackbird, which is a secondary consumer that preys on the caterpillar. Finally, the food chain culminates with the fox, a tertiary consumer that may eat the blackbird. This sequence clearly demonstrates the movement of energy from the producer to various levels of consumers.

Each organism in the food chain plays a critical role in transferring energy and maintaining ecological balance. In contrast, the other options do not follow the correct hierarchical flow from producers to consumers, misplacing the roles of various organisms within the chain.