What type of organisms are autotrophs?

Autotrophs are defined as organisms that can produce their own food using inorganic substances. They primarily utilize carbon dioxide as their carbon source, converting it into organic compounds through processes such as photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. In photosynthesis, for example, plants, algae, and certain bacteria harness light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This ability allows them to thrive in environments where organic matter may be scarce, playing a crucial role in ecosystems as primary producers.

The other options describe different types of organisms. Specifically, those that consume organic matter for energy are heterotrophs, which include animals, fungi, and many bacteria. Organisms that derive energy from inorganic compounds also fall outside the standard definition of autotrophs, focusing instead on chemosynthetic organisms like some bacteria. Finally, organisms that depend on other organisms for nutrients clearly exemplify heterotrophic behavior, illustrating the distinct classification that separates autotrophs from those that rely on the consumption of organic matter.