Ecology modle siplification how/why do we use modle siplification for things like a food web to a food chain?

Question

I'm working on a project for Biology and my topic for a poster is Ecology-> interconnectedness-> food web not food chain and modle simplification

Answer 1

I believe the main reason we simplify things is to make concepts easier to understand.

sure, a food web is much more accurate than a food chain, but a food chain is a very useful conceptual model showing trophic levels.  

a food web has its strength in showing interrelationships among the community.  

a food chain, while simplistic, is helpful in understanding the (1) the simple concept of interrelationships in ecosystems, but more importantly, (2) the flow of energy through a system.