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Dead stuff: The secret ingredient in our food chain - John C. Moore

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TEDEd Animation

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When you picture the lowest levels of the food chain, you might imagine herbivores happily munching on lush, living green plants. But this idyllic image leaves out a huge (and slightly less appetizing) source of nourishment: dead stuff. John C. Moore details the "brown food chain," explaining how such unlikely delicacies as pond scum and animal poop contribute enormous amounts of energy to our ecosystems.

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator John Moore, Eric Berlow, Jennifer Krumins
  • Director Biljana Labović
  • Animation Artist Lisa LaBracio, Celeste Lai
  • Narrator George Zaidan

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