Which of the following best represents a simple food chain?

A simple food chain illustrates a linear pathway through which energy and nutrients are transferred from one organism to another, starting from a primary energy source, such as the sun, to various levels of consumers. The correct choice provides a clear and direct sequence of energy transfer that aligns with the fundamental structure of a food chain.

In the chosen example, the sun provides energy to the grass, which, as a primary producer, converts sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. This energy is then passed on to the grasshopper, which consumes the grass. Following that, the toad, a secondary consumer, eats the grasshopper, and finally, the snake, as a tertiary consumer, preys on the toad. This straightforward progression from producer to various levels of consumers exemplifies a simple food chain, demonstrating each organism's role in the ecological system and how energy flows.

In contrast, while the other options represent food webs or more complex interactions, they include additional layers or connections that complicate the simplicity required for a straightforward food chain representation. Therefore, the choice captures the essence of a simple food chain effectively.