autotrophic

/ˌɔtəˈtroʊfɪk/

In biology, an autotrophic organism makes its own food. Algae, which creates food by absorbing sunlight, is autotrophic.

The vast majority of plants are autotrophic, creating their own food through photosynthesis. Many types of fungi and bacteria are also autotrophic. This class of organisms is extremely important to the food chain — autotrophic organisms are also known as "primary producers," converting light energy into nutrition for animals that are higher up on the food chain. The roots of this word are auto-,"by oneself," and trophic, "pertaining to nutrition."

Definitions of autotrophic

1. adjective

   of or relating to organisms (as green plants) that can make complex organic nutritive compounds from simple inorganic sources by photosynthesis
   synonyms: autophytic

   antonyms:

   heterotrophic

   requiring organic compounds of carbon and nitrogen for nourishment