No, fungi are not autotrophic. They are heterotrophic organisms, which means they cannot produce their own food through photosynthesis like plants do. Instead, fungi obtain their nutrients by absorbing organic matter from their environment. They secrete enzymes that break down complex organic materials into simpler compounds, which they then absorb.
Fungi play a crucial role in ecosystems as decomposers. They break down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves and dead trees, and recycle nutrients back into the soil. This process is essential for the health of ecosystems and the cycling of nutrients.
In summary, fungi are heterotrophic organisms that rely on external sources of organic matter for their nutrition, making them fundamentally different from autotrophic organisms like plants.