Autotrophs: Self-Sustaining Producers of Ecosystems
- At the foundation of every ecosystem are autotrophs, organisms that convert inorganic substances into the organic compounds that fuel the entire ecosystem.
Definition
Autotroph
An autotroph is an organism that uses external energy sources to synthesize carbon compounds from simple inorganic substances.
What Are Autotrophs?
- Autotrophs are organisms capable of producing their own food using simple inorganic substances like carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) and water ($H_2O$).
- They do this through two primary processes:
- Photosynthesis: Using light energy (these are also referred to as photoautotrophs).
- Chemosynthesis: Using energy from chemical reactions.
Remember, carbon fixation is the process of converting inorganic carbon (like $CO_2$) into organic compounds.
Why Autotrophs Matter in Ecosystems
- Primary Producers: Autotrophs form the base of food chains, supporting heterotrophs (organisms that depend on others for food).
- Carbon Cycling: They convert inorganic carbon ($CO_2$) into organic forms, making it accessible to other organisms.
- Oxygen Production: Photoautotrophs release oxygen during photosynthesis, sustaining aerobic life.
- In what ways do autotrophs illustrate the interconnectedness of energy and matter?
- How might this concept apply to other scientific disciplines, such as chemistry or physics?
