Science Word of the Day: Autotrophs
Pronunciation: AW’-tuh-trohf
Meaning: Autotrophs are remarkable organisms capable of producing their own food using inorganic substances. They utilize sources such as sunlight (as seen in plants) or methane (in specific microorganisms). These fascinating autotrophs were the earliest single-celled life forms to inhabit our planet, thriving on the chemicals expelled from deep-sea vents and mastering the ability to harness solar energy. In contrast, heterotrophs—like humans and fungi—came later to benefit from the energy produced by these self-sustaining organisms.
Usage in a Sentence: Stromatolites, microbial mats built by cyanobacteria, are excellent examples of autotrophs that flourished in ancient shallow seas.
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Source: www.livescience.com