What is the main function of autotrophs?

The main function of autotrophs is to produce their own food using inorganic substances and an external energy source, typically sunlight. This process is known as photosynthesis in plants, which converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. By harnessing sunlight, autotrophs can create the organic compounds that serve as food for themselves and, ultimately, for heterotrophs, which cannot produce their own food.

In a broader context, autotrophs are fundamental to ecosystems as they form the base of the food chain. They convert solar energy into forms that can be used by other organisms, thus playing a crucial role in energy flow and nutrient cycling within their environments. This process contrasts distinctly with the consumption of other organisms for energy or reliance on external sources of energy, which are characteristics of heterotrophs.