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: -Plants, algae, and a group of bacteria called cyanobacteria are the only organisms capable of performing photosynthesis (Figure 1). Because they use light to manufacture their own food, they are called photoautotrophs (literally, “self-feeders using light”).

Detailed explanation-3: -Photosynthesis is the main source of food on earth. It releases oxygen which is an important element for the survival of life. Without photosynthesis, there will be no oxygen on earth. The stored chemical energy in plants flows into herbivores, carnivores, predators, parasites, decomposers, and all life forms.

Detailed explanation-4: -Plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, known as photoautotrophs, are the only organisms capable of performing photosynthesis. Heterotrophs, unable to produce their own food, rely on the carbohydrates produced by photosynthetic organisms for their energy needs.

Detailed explanation-5: -Photosynthesis sustains life on Earth today by releasing oxygen into the atmosphere and providing energy for food chains. The rise of oxygen-producing photosynthesis allowed the evolution of complex life forms like animals and land plants around 2.4 billion years ago.