Autotroph

Definition

Organisms that obtain energy from the sun and other materials from inorganic sources (contrast with heterotroph).

Etymology

From Greek 'autos', meaning 'self', and 'trophos', meaning 'nourishment'.

Example

Plants are autotrophs because they use sunlight to produce their own food.

Related Terms

• Photosynthesis
• Producers

Usage Notes

Though 'autotroph' is more commonly used in the context of microbiology and botany, it can also refer to certain bacteria and archaea in microbial studies.