Which are two types of autotrophs?

Autotrophs are organisms that produce their own food from inorganic substances, which positions them at the base of the food web. The two primary types of autotrophs are photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs.

Photoautotrophs harness energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose through photosynthesis. This process not only sustains their own growth and metabolism but also produces oxygen, which is essential for most life forms on Earth. Common examples of photoautotrophs include plants, algae, and some bacteria.

Chemoautotrophs, on the other hand, derive energy through the oxidation of inorganic molecules, such as hydrogen sulfide or ammonia, rather than sunlight. They use this chemical energy to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds. Chemoautotrophs are often found in extreme environments, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents, where sunlight cannot penetrate.

The option that includes both photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs accurately reflects the diversity of autotrophic organisms and showcases the different strategies they employ to obtain energy and nutrients from their environment.