Energy Balance and Weight

Autotrophs are organisms that capture energy from nonliving sources, like sunlight, and convert it into forms that living cells can use. They're like the cooks of the ecosystem, making the food for everyone else.

Photosynthetic primary producers, like plants and algae, are called that because they use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy-rich carbohydrates like sugars and starches. They're like solar-powered factories.

Photosynthesis is vital because it produces oxygen we breathe and removes carbon dioxide from the air. It also makes energy-rich compounds for all living things. It's like Earth's natural energy cycle.

Plants are the main primary producers on land, meaning they're the base of the food chain. They use sunlight to make their own food and then are eaten by animals.

Bacteria are key primary producers in some ecosystems, like tidal flats, salt marshes, and mangrove forests. They can convert energy from sources like sulfur compounds, which helps support the food web in those areas.