Food chains are hierarchical relationships in the animal kingdom where one organism consumes another to meet its nutritional needs. Synonyms for the term "food chains" include "food webs," which refers to a complex network of interdependent food chains within an ecosystem. Other synonyms for the term include "nutrition chains," which focuses more on the transfer of nutrients than actual food, and "trophic chains," which examines the flow of energy and biomass throughout an ecosystem. Additionally, the term "predator-prey relationships" can be used to describe the concept of food chains where one organism hunts and consumes another. Ultimately, these synonyms all describe the interconnected relationships between organisms in an ecosystem determined by their dietary needs.