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Developed and validated a learning hierarchy for the concept "food web" (the hierarchy consisting of nine skill areas). Also investigated the misconceptions of 200 students related to these nine areas. Suggestions for applying the hierarchy model to remediation and resolution of the misconceptions are provided. (DH)

The article presents a study which investigates the nature of food webs as an important topic in recent biology curricula. It was stated that the relationships represented in a food web are rule-like so it is possible to construct a learning hierarchy. The paper is concerned with the development and validation of a learning hierarchy relating to the concept of food web. It also considers the use of the learning hierarchy model as a tool to aid identification of students' misconceptions in science. Particular misconceptions relating to the concept of food web are reported.