Sun, 03 May 2026 16:51:58 +0000

Autotroph vs Heterotroph: Understanding the Fundamental Difference in Life’s Energy Strategies Life on Earth relies on diverse ways of obtaining energy and nutrients. Two key groups of organisms stand out based on their feeding and energy-producing strategies: autotrophs and heterotrophs. Understanding these terms helps unravel the foundation of ecosystems, food chains, and the intricate web of life. ### What Are Autotrophs? Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food using inorganic substances and energy from sunlight or chemical reactions. The term “autotroph” literally means “self-feeding” (autos = self, troph = feeding). These organisms form the base of most food webs because they convert raw materials into organic compounds.