Science glossary film: Autotroph

An organism that can make its own food, being able to produce complex organic compounds, such as proteins and carbohydrates. This requires energy, often in the form of light. Autotrophs such as algae and plants are key producers in ecosystems as they lock up chemical energy and raw materials that organisms higher up the food chain need to sustain life.

Autotrophs such as algae and plants are key producers in ecosystems as they lock up chemical energy and raw materials that organisms higher up the food chain need to sustain life.