Chapter 16, Problem 3TYK

Summary Introduction

Concept introduction: Autotrophs or self-feeders or producers are organisms that make use of the precursors from the environment and the available energy to produce complex organic chemical compounds as food sources. These are also used by the consumers or their predators for food. Heterotrophs or predators are organisms that depend on the autotrophs for the food as they consume them. The autotrophs fix carbon dioxide from the environment and produce carbon compounds. The heterotrophs use these carbon compounds of the autotrophs. The majority of the organisms are heterotrophs. Autotrophs and heterotrophs are basic terms used to define the mode of nutrition of an organism.