Why are autotrophs considered the basis of the food chain?
Answer (3)
They are among the only types of organisms that get their energy from a non-living thing, and they give energy to Primary consumers, which give energy to secondary consumers, which give energy to tertiary consumers, which can give energy to decomposers, etc.
Photoautotrophs , such as plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, are the energy source for a majority of the world's ecosystems. They convert solar energy from the sun into chemical energy to synthesize complex organic molecules, serving as the basis of the food chain. ;
Autotrophs, particularly photoautotrophs like plants and algae, are the foundation of the food chain because they produce their own food through photosynthesis, converting solar energy into chemical energy. This energy is essential for all other organisms that rely on autotrophs as a source of food. Thus, autotrophs support the entire ecosystem by providing both energy and oxygen.
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