autotrophic organisms

Autotrophic organisms are living things that produce their own food using energy from their environment. They typically do this through processes like photosynthesis, where they use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars and oxygen. Examples include plants, algae, and certain bacteria. This ability allows them to form the base of most food chains, providing energy and nutrients for other organisms that cannot produce their own food. Essentially, autotrophs are primary producers, making their own nourishment from inorganic substances, enabling ecosystems to sustain themselves.