Autotrophs and Heterotrophs

Autotrophs
Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food using inorganic substances and energy from sunlight. They are self-sustaining and do not rely on other organisms for their nutrition.
- Examples of autotrophs include plants, algae, and some bacteria.
- The process by which autotrophs produce their own food is called photosynthesis.
- In photosynthesis, autotrophs use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen.

Heterotrophs
Heterotrophs are organisms that cannot produce their own food and must obtain it from other organisms. They rely on consuming other living or dead organisms to obtain the nutrients they need.
- Examples of heterotrophs include animals, fungi, and some bacteria.
- Heterotrophs can be further classified into herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and decomposers based on their feeding habits.
- Heterotrophs obtain energy by breaking down the organic molecules in the food they consume through processes like digestion and cellular respiration.
In summary, autotrophs are self-sustaining organisms that produce their own food through processes like photosynthesis, while heterotrophs rely on consuming other organisms for their nutrition.