AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Autotrophs, that is plants, utilize carbon in the form of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and synthesize organic compounds. The heterotrophs consume these plants and utilise these organic compounds stored in them as a source of energy.

Detailed explanation-2: -The biological carbon cycle is the rapid exchange of carbon among living things; autotrophs use carbon dioxide produced by heterotrophs to produce glucose and oxygen, which are then utilized by heterotrophs.

Detailed explanation-3: -Autotrophs are known as producers because they are able to make their own food from raw materials and energy. Examples include plants, algae, and some types of bacteria. Heterotrophs are known as consumers because they consume producers or other consumers. Dogs, birds, fish, and humans are all examples of heterotrophs.

Detailed explanation-4: -Many heterotrophs are chemoorganoheterotrophs that use organic carbon (e.g. glucose) as their carbon source, and organic chemicals (e.g. carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) as their electron sources.

Detailed explanation-5: -Heterotrophs break these complex organic carbon compounds down into smaller molecules and use the carbon atoms to biosynthesize new organic carbon compounds.