Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

autotroph

noun

/ˈɔː.təˌtrɒf/

Definition

An autotroph is an organism that can produce its own food using inorganic substances and environmental energy sources.

Examples

Plants are the most common type of autotrophs as they use sunlight for photosynthesis.
Cyanobacteria are autotrophs that can convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.
Some autotrophs can derive energy from chemical reactions, as seen in certain bacteria found in deep-sea vents.

Meaning

The term ‘autotroph’ comes from Greek, meaning ‘self-nourishing’. Autotrophs are essential in ecosystems as they form the base of the food web by creating organic material from simple inorganic compounds.