What defines an autotroph in ecological terms?

An autotroph is define as an organism that is capable of producing its own food through processes like photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. This ability to create food from inorganic substances allows autotrophs to be primary producers in an ecosystem. For example, plants, algae, and certain bacteria take energy from the sun and convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, which serves as their energy source. This characteristic is essential for autotrophs as they form the base of the food chain, providing energy for themselves and for the heterotrophs that feed on them.

In contrast, organisms that cannot produce their own food must obtain energy by consuming other organisms or organic matter, which defines them as heterotrophs. Ecologically, this distinction is fundamental, as it highlights the role of autotrophs in supporting life by converting sunlight or chemical energy into forms accessible to other organisms.