EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Heterotrophs benefit from photosynthesis in a variety of ways. They depend on the process for oxygen, which is produced as a byproduct during photosynthesis. Moreover, photosynthesis sustains the autotrophs that heterotrophs depend on to survive.

Detailed explanation-2: -Photosynthesis creates all of the energy that fuels living organisms. Animals that eat plants acquire their energy from the stored sugar in plants, and animals that eat those animals obtain that same energy. Thus, all levels of a food web are still fueled by the energy developed by photosynthetic organisms.

Detailed explanation-3: -Heterotrophs get their food by ingesting organic molecules, such as plants or other organisms. Organic molecules are important for the cells of an organism because they are converted into energy that the organism can use. Animals and even human beings must ingest food to obtain organic molecules.

Detailed explanation-4: -Most autotrophs use a process called photosynthesis to make their food. In photosynthesis, autotrophs use energy from the sun to convert water from the soil and carbon dioxide from the air into a nutrient called glucose. Glucose is a type of sugar. The glucose gives plants energy.

Detailed explanation-5: -First, photosynthesis consumes carbon dioxide (a waste product of respiration) and produces oxygen (necessary for respiration). Heterotrophs therefore depend on photosynthesis as a source of oxygen. In addition, photosynthesis sustains the organisms that heterotrophs consume in order to stay alive.