What defines autotrophs?

Autotrophs are defined as organisms that make their own food, primarily through the process of photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. This means they are capable of converting inorganic substances into organic compounds, which they use for energy and growth. For example, plants, algae, and certain bacteria take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and, using sunlight (in the case of photosynthetic organisms), convert it into glucose. This ability sets autotrophs apart from heterotrophs, which instead obtain their nutrients by consuming other organisms. Understanding this distinction helps clarify the roles different organisms play within ecosystems, where autotrophs are key producers at the base of the food chain.