The flow of energy in an ecosystem may not be a linear chain from small to large organisms, but may follow a complex web of consumption.

Some consumers may have two-way trophic relationships with other organisms: some birds feed on snakes, while some snakes raid bird nests.

These may be the same 2 species at different stages in their life cycle.

• Can a snake eat a hawk?
  • Yes, especially when the hawk was an egg or chick.