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: -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.

Detailed explanation-3: -Autotrophs are those organisms that are able to make energy-containing organic molecules from inorganic raw material by using basic energy sources such as sunlight.

Detailed explanation-4: -Producers such as plants, algae, and cyanobacteria use the energy from sunlight to make organic matter from carbon dioxide and water. This establishes the beginning of energy flow through almost all food webs.