8.2.D—Explain how the activities of autotrophs and heterotrophs enable the flow of energy within an ecosystem

Explain how the activities of autotrophs and heterotrophs enable the flow of energy within an ecosystem.

• Autotrophs capture energy from physical or chemical sources in the environment.
  • i. Photosynthetic organisms capture energy present in sunlight contributing to primary productivity.
  • ii. Chemosynthetic organisms capture energy from small inorganic molecules present in their environment, which can occur in the absence of oxygen.
• Heterotrophs, which include carnivores, herbivores, omnivores, decomposers, and scavengers, metabolize carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins as sources of energy. Heterotrophs capture the energy present in carbon compounds by consuming organic matter derived from autotrophs incorporating matter into their tissues. 156AP Biology Course and Exam Description Ecology UNIT 8