Autotrophs: Self-Sustaining Producers of Ecosystems
At the foundation of every ecosystem are autotrophs, organisms that convertinorganic 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).
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Question 1
Recap question
In designing a closed life‐support system for long‐duration space travel, why might including photoautotrophs be more advantageous than relying solely on chemosynthetic organisms?
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What is the role of autotrophs in an ecosystem?
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Note
Introduction to Autotrophs
Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food from inorganic substances, using an external energy source.
They form the base of all ecosystems by converting inorganic materials into organic compounds.
DefinitionAutotrophAn organism that uses external energy sources to synthesize carbon compounds from simple inorganic substances.
AnalogyThink of autotrophs as nature's solar-powered factories, turning raw materials into essential products for all other living things.
ExamplePlants, algae, and certain bacteria are all examples of autotrophs.
