Organisms capable of producing their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis are termed autotrophs. Autotrophs harness energy from sunlight or inorganic compounds to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process forms the foundational basis for most food webs, allowing autotrophs to support a diverse array of heterotrophic organisms, which rely on consuming other living entities for energy. Understanding autotrophs is vital for ecology, agriculture, and assessing the health of various ecosystems. Their role in nutrient cycling and energy flow makes them indispensable to life on Earth.