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 store chemical energy in carbohydrate food molecules they build themselves. Most autotrophs make their “food” through photosynthesis using the energy of the sun. Heterotrophs cannot make their own food, so they must eat or absorb it.

Detailed explanation-3: -Plants, lichens, and algae are examples of autotrophs capable of photosynthesis. Notice their green color due to the high amounts of chlorophyll pigments inside their cells. Synonyms: autophyte; autotrophic organism; primary producer. Compare: heterotroph.