Question

Primary producers are organisms that?

A) rely on other organisms for their energy and food supply.
B) consume plant and animal remains and other dead matter.
C) are the first producers of energy rich com-pounds that can be used later by other
organisms.
D) obtain energy by eating only plants.

Answer 1

Primary producers are organisms, also known as autotrophs (e.g., plants, algae), that use either sunlight or chemical energy to produce food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, forming the basis of ecosystems.

Step-by-step explanation:

Primary producers are organisms that produce food for themselves and other organisms, and they are crucial to the stability of ecosystems as all organisms need organic molecules that only producers can provide. They are also known as autotrophs, which include photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs. Photoautotrophs, such as plants, algae, and some bacteria, harness energy from sunlight to create organic compounds via photosynthesis, making them the primary producers in most ecosystems. Chemoautotrophs, found around hydrothermal vents and in hot springs, derive energy from chemical bonds to create these compounds through chemosynthesis, serving as primary producers in their specific ecosystems.