What is the primary function of autotrophs?

The primary function of autotrophs is to produce their own food. Autotrophs, such as plants, algae, and some bacteria, are capable of converting inorganic substances into organic ones through processes like photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. This means they can take carbon dioxide and, using energy from sunlight (or chemical reactions in the case of chemosynthetic organisms), synthesize glucose and other organic molecules that serve as food.

This ability to create their own energy sources positions autotrophs at the base of the food chain, providing essential nutrients and energy for heterotrophs, which rely on consuming other organisms for their energy needs. Thus, the role of autotrophs is crucial in maintaining the ecosystem's energy flow and supporting various life forms, including herbivores, which depend directly on autotrophs for nourishment.