The ability of an organism to synthesize organic compounds from inorganic materials, especially through photosynthesis.
From auto- (self) + -trophy (from Greek trophē, nourishment). Scientific term describing the nutritional independence of autotrophic organisms.
Autotrophy is evolution's biggest game-changer—once photosynthetic organisms emerged, they pumped oxygen into Earth's atmosphere and created the energy foundation for all complex life.
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