Final answer:
An autotroph is an organism that makes its own food through processes like photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Plants and bacteria are examples of autotrophs. They are essential in ecosystems as they provide energy to other organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
An autotroph is an organism that is capable of making its own food through the process of photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. This ability allows autotrophs to convert inorganic substances, such as carbon dioxide and water, into organic compounds, like glucose, which serve as the source of energy for the organism.
Plants and some types of bacteria are examples of autotrophs. Plants use the energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and release oxygen as a byproduct. Bacteria that live in extreme environments, such as hydrothermal vents, use chemosynthesis to produce organic molecules without the need for sunlight.
Overall, autotrophs play a vital role in ecosystems as they are the primary producers, serving as the foundation of the food chain by providing energy to heterotrophs, organisms that cannot produce their own food.
Learn more about Autotrophs