What are Autotrophs?
Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food using inorganic substances and energy from the environment. They are also known as primary producers because they form the foundation of food chains and ecosystems. Autotrophs converts energy from sunlight or inorganic chemical reactions into organic compounds that are used as a source of energy.
Autotrophs, like plants, cyanobacteria, algae use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The process of photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts, which contain the pigment chlorophyll responsible for capturing light energy. The ability of autotrophs to produce their own food is important for continuation of food chain. They not only produce energy for themselves but also act as a food source for heterotrophs.
Difference Between Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
Autotrophs and heterotrophs represent the different modes of nutrition that have distinct ways of obtaining and utilizing energy and nutrients in the ecosystem. Autotrophs produce their own energy and serve as the primary producers while heterotrophs rely on consuming other organisms or organic matter for energy and serve as consumers in the food chain. These two nutritional mode represents the flow of energy and nutrition in the ecosystem.
Table of Content
- Definition of Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
- Differences Between Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
- What are Autotrophs?
- What are Heterotrophs?
- Key Points on Autotrophs and Heterotrophs