autotrophic
Produces its own nourishment
Autotrophic describes organisms that produce their own food from inorganic substances, typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
Plants, algae, and certain bacteria are autotrophic—they don't need to consume other organisms for energy.
The term contrasts with heterotrophic, which describes organisms that must eat other living things: Autotrophic organisms form the base of most food chains.
Photosynthetic bacteria producing oxygen
- algaePrimitive aquatic photosynthesizers
- phytoplanktonPhotosynthetic aquatic drifters
- plantsPhotosynthesizing rooted organisms
- diatomsSingle-celled silica algae
kelp · seaweed · euglena · producers · prokaryotes · eukaryotes
Light-harvesting plant pigment
- chloroplastLight-harvesting cell structure
- sunlightRadiance from our star
- carbon dioxideRespiration byproduct, photosynthesis fuel
- oxygenElement eight, colorless gas
glucose · ATP · stomata · pigments · carotenoids · water splitting · stroma · light absorption
Interconnected predator-prey relationships
- carbon cycleBiogeochemical element circulation process
- ecosystemInterconnected organisms and surroundings
- biomassLiving material in aggregate
- energy flowMovement of power through systems
nitrogen fixation · biosphere · carbon sequestration · heterotrophic
Able to continue independently
- self-feedingReplenishing without outside help
- endogenousOriginating from within
- energy independenceGenerating power domestically
- self-sufficientAble to provide independently
Submarine volcanic water jets
- nitrifying bacteriaMicrobes converting ammonium to nitrate
- deep seaLightless ocean zone
- hydrogen sulfideToxic gas, foul-smelling
- chemical energyPower stored in bonds
cyanobacteria
Photosynthetic bacteria producing oxygen
- algaePrimitive aquatic photosynthesizers
- phytoplanktonPhotosynthetic aquatic drifters
- plantsPhotosynthesizing rooted organisms
diatoms · kelp · seaweed · euglena · producers · prokaryotes · eukaryotes
chlorophyll
Light-harvesting plant pigment
- chloroplastLight-harvesting cell structure
- sunlightRadiance from our star
- carbon dioxideRespiration byproduct, photosynthesis fuel
oxygen · glucose · ATP · stomata · pigments · carotenoids · water splitting · stroma · light absorption · photon
food web
Interconnected predator-prey relationships
- carbon cycleBiogeochemical element circulation process
- ecosystemInterconnected organisms and surroundings
- biomassLiving material in aggregate
energy flow · nitrogen fixation · biosphere · carbon sequestration · heterotrophic
self-sustaining
Able to continue independently
- self-feedingReplenishing without outside help
- endogenousOriginating from within
- energy independenceGenerating power domestically
hydrothermal vents
Submarine volcanic water jets
- nitrifying bacteriaMicrobes converting ammonium to nitrate
- deep seaLightless ocean zone
- hydrogen sulfideToxic gas, foul-smelling
autotrophicheterotrophic
Requiring organic sustenance
consumer · parasitic · predatory · herbivorous · carnivorous