Which term best describes organisms that produce their own sugars and other foods by photosynthesis?

Which term best describes organisms that produce their own sugars and other foods by photosynthesis?

• A. Autotrophs
• B. Heterotrophs
• C. Detritivores
• D. Protists

Answer: (A)

Organisms that produce their own sugars using light energy are autotrophs. They take inorganic carbon, usually CO2, and convert it into organic molecules like glucose through photosynthesis, making them the primary producers in ecosystems. Heterotrophs rely on others for organic nutrients, detritivores feed on decomposing material, and protists is a diverse group that includes both autotrophic and heterotrophic members—however, the term that specifically describes self-synthesizing producers via photosynthesis is autotrophs.

Organisms that produce their own sugars using light energy are autotrophs. They take inorganic carbon, usually CO2, and convert it into organic molecules like glucose through photosynthesis, making them the primary producers in ecosystems. Heterotrophs rely on others for organic nutrients, detritivores feed on decomposing material, and protists is a diverse group that includes both autotrophic and heterotrophic members—however, the term that specifically describes self-synthesizing producers via photosynthesis is autotrophs.