Can you describe the differences between autotrophs and heterotrophs?
Can you describe the differences between autotrophs and heterotrophs?
user
Autotrophs are organisms that are capable of synthesizing their own food through the chemical process of photosynthesis.  This includes plants, bacteria, algae, and some cyanobacteria.  They generally make organic molecules from inorganic molecules, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.
assistant
Wonderful! Now I understand. So an autotroph is a primary producer?
user
Yes, this is a common way of describing them.
assistant
So which one is first on the food chain, the autotroph or the heterotroph?
user