Describing organisms that produce their own food from inorganic substances, typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. These self-feeding organisms form the foundation of most food webs by converting simple compounds into complex organic molecules.
From Greek 'autos' meaning 'self' and 'trophe' meaning 'nourishment' or 'food.' The term emerged in the early 20th century as biologists began understanding how different organisms obtain energy and nutrients.
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