Autotroph vs. Heterotroph

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What are autotrophs?

Back

Organisms that can make their own food using sunlight or chemical energy.

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What are heterotrophs?

Back

Organisms that cannot make their own food and must obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

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What is photosynthesis?

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The process by which autotrophs, like plants, use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

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What is a consumer?

Back

An organism that obtains energy by consuming other organisms; another name for heterotroph.

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What is a producer?

Back

An organism that can make its own food, typically through photosynthesis; another name for autotroph.

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What are omnivores?

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Consumers that eat both plants and animals.

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What are herbivores?

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Consumers that primarily eat plants.

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What are carnivores?

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Consumers that primarily eat other animals.

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What is a decomposer?

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An organism that breaks down dead plants and animals, returning nutrients to the ecosystem.

Front

What is the role of autotrophs in an ecosystem?

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They produce energy and organic material that support other organisms in the food chain.