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食物链断裂
shíwùliàn duànliè
food chain collapse
由于环境污染，这里的食物链断裂，导致许多物种消失。
Due to environmental pollution, the food chain here collapsed, causing many species to disappear.
technical
A breakdown in the ecological food chain where energy transfer between organisms is disrupted, often leading to ecosystem instability.
科学家警告说，如果食物链断裂继续恶化，整个生态系统将面临崩溃。
Scientists warn that if food chain collapse continues to worsen, the entire ecosystem will face collapse.
Often caused by human activities like pollution, overfishing, or habitat destruction.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Contextual Usage
Use 'food chain collapse' when discussing ecological disasters or environmental degradation. For metaphorical uses (e.g., economic systems), specify the context: 'the collapse of the supply chain'.
Gold Rule
Avoid Literal Translation
Do not translate word-for-word ('food chain fracture'). The idiomatic equivalent in English is 'food chain collapse' or 'breakdown in the food chain'.
Word Origin
The term combines '食物链' (shíwùliàn, 'food chain') and '断裂' (duànliè, 'fracture/break'). '食物链' originates from ecological science, while '断裂' metaphorically extends the literal meaning of 'breaking' to describe system failure.
Usage Notes
Primarily used in ecological and environmental contexts. Avoid using in non-biological contexts unless metaphorically referring to systemic failures.
Word Breakdown
食物链
food chain
compound断裂
fracture/break
verb汉英词典