Explanation

Autotrophic nutrition means organisms make their own food instead of eating other living things. Plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create glucose through photosynthesis. Some bacteria use chemicals from rocks or deep sea vents to make food through chemosynthesis.

The word autotroph comes from Greek words meaning self-feeding. These organisms are producers in food chains because they create energy for themselves. All other organisms depend on autotrophs either directly or indirectly for survival.

Organisms that eat other living things for food are called heterotrophs. Breaking down organic compounds describes decomposition. Consuming both plants and animals describes omnivores, which are a type of heterotroph.