Chemoautotrophs use inorganic energy sources such as hydrogen sulfide, elemental sulfur, ferrous iron, molecular hydrogen, and ammonia. Most chemoautotrophs are extremophiles, bacteria or archaea that live in hostile environments (such as deep sea vents) and are the primary producers in such ecosystems.

Organism derives nutrition from Inorganic substances are categorized in chemoautotrophs.

Chemoautotrophs

Chemoautotrophs are organisms that obtain energy by the oxidation of reduced inorganic compounds. Let's break down this answer and understand it in detail.

Autotrophs vs Heterotrophs
- Autotrophs are organisms that are capable of producing their own food using an external energy source, such as sunlight or inorganic compounds.
- Heterotrophs, on the other hand, are organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on consuming other organisms for energy.

Oxidation of Reduced Inorganic Compounds
- Chemoautotrophs obtain their energy by oxidizing reduced inorganic compounds. Oxidation is a chemical process that involves the loss of electrons, while reduction involves the gain of electrons.
- Inorganic compounds typically refer to compounds that do not contain carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds. Some examples of reduced inorganic compounds include hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), and ferrous iron (Fe2+).

Energy Production
- Chemoautotrophs use the energy obtained from the oxidation of reduced inorganic compounds to synthesize organic molecules, such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
- This process is similar to how photoautotrophs (organisms that use sunlight as an energy source) use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into chemical energy to produce organic molecules.

Examples of Chemoautotrophs
- Chemoautotrophic organisms are found in various environments, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents, hot springs, and sulfur-rich environments.
- Some examples of chemoautotrophs include certain bacteria, archaea, and some specialized fungi.
- These organisms play a crucial role in the ecosystem by providing a source of energy and nutrients for other organisms in these environments.

Conclusion
In summary, organisms that obtain energy by the oxidation of reduced inorganic compounds are called chemoautotrophs. These organisms use the energy obtained from this process to synthesize organic molecules. Chemoautotrophs are found in various environments and play an important role in the ecosystem.