AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -An autotroph is an organism that can produce its own food using light, water, carbon dioxide, or other chemicals. Because autotrophs produce their own food, they are sometimes called producers. Plants are the most familiar type of autotroph, but there are many different kinds of autotrophic organisms.

Detailed explanation-2: -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.

Detailed explanation-3: -Another name for an autotroph is autophyte. It can also be called a producer for its capacity to produce its own food.

Detailed explanation-4: -Autotrophs are vital to all ecosystems because all organisms need organic molecules and only autotrophs can produce them from inorganic compounds. There are two basic types of autotrophs: photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs.

Detailed explanation-5: -Autotrophs or primary producers are organisms that acquire their energy from sunlight and materials from nonliving sources. Algae, higher plants, and some bacteria and protists are important autotrophs in running waters. Heterotrophs obtain energy and materials by consuming living or dead organic matter.