Question

Are Humans autotrophs?

Answer 1

Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food .The word "autotroph" is derived from the root words "auto" for "self" and "troph" for "food." An autotroph is an organism that feeds itself without the assistance of any other organism.

Complete answer:
An autotrophic or primary producer is an organism that produces complex organic compounds (such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) using carbon from simple substances such as carbon dioxide, generally using light energy (photosynthesis) or inorganic chemical reactions (chemosynthesis). It converts an abiotic energy source (e.g. light) into energy stored in organic compounds that can be converted into abiotic energy.

Autotrophs do not need a living source of carbon or energy and are food chain producers, such as plants on land or algae in water (in contrast to heterotrophs as consumers of autotrophs or other heterotrophs). Autotrophs may reduce carbon dioxide to make organic compounds for biosynthesis and as a stored chemical fuel. Most autotrophs use water as a reducing agent, but some may use other hydrogen compounds such as hydrogen sulfide.

Autotrophs are known as producers because they can make their own food from raw materials and energy. Examples include plants, algae and certain types of bacteria. Heterotrophs are referred to as consumers because they consume producers or other consumers. Dogs, birds, fish, and human beings are all examples of heterotrophs.

Thus, the humans are not autotrophs as they are heterotrophs.

Note: Photoautotrophs are the main primary producers, converting light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis, ultimately building up organic carbon dioxide molecules, an inorganic carbon source. Examples of chemolithotrophs are some archaea and bacteria (unicellular organisms) that produce biomass from the oxidation of inorganic chemical compounds, which are called Chemoautotrophs, and are frequently found in deep ocean hydrothermal vents. Primary producers are at the lowest trophic level and are the reasons why the Earth has been sustainable for life to this day.