Autotroph
An organism that makes its own food
Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food using energy from sunlight (photosynthesis) or from inorganic chemical reactions (chemosynthesis), without relying on other organisms for nutrients. Autotrophs are found at the base of the food chain and are vital for sustaining life on Earth.
Examples of autotrophs include plants, algae, and some bacteria. Plants are the most common example of autotrophs, as they convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. Algae, which are typically found in aquatic environments, also use photosynthesis to produce food. Some bacteria use chemosynthesis to convert inorganic molecules such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and methane into organic compounds.
Autotrophs play a crucial role in the carbon cycle, as they convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into organic compounds. This carbon is then passed on to other organisms when autotrophs are consumed. In addition, autotrophs release oxygen back into the atmosphere, which is necessary for the survival of most organisms, including humans.
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