Autotrophs

Autotrophs are organisms capable of producing their own food using simple substances from their environment, typically through a process called photosynthesis. They use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to create energy-rich compounds like glucose, which serve as their fuel. This ability allows them to form the foundation of most ecosystems, providing energy for other organisms that cannot produce their own food. Examples include plants, algae, and certain bacteria. Essentially, autotrophs are primary producers that sustain the web of life by converting inorganic materials into organic matter that all living beings depend on.