Which type of organism obtains their energy through photosynthesis?

Photoautotrophs are organisms that obtain their energy from sunlight through the process of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, these organisms, which include plants, algae, and some bacteria, capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy. This process typically involves the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, using sunlight as the energy source.

The characteristic feature of photoautotrophs is their ability to harness light energy to create organic compounds, making them essential for the energy flow in ecosystems. They serve as primary producers, forming the base of food webs by providing energy for heterotrophs, organisms that cannot produce their own food and must consume other organisms.

In contrast, other types of organisms such as chemoautotrophs derive their energy from chemical reactions involving inorganic substances, photoheterotrophs utilize light for energy but may also rely on organic compounds, and chemoorganotrophs obtain energy by oxidizing organic compounds rather than through photosynthesis. These distinctions highlight the unique role of photoautotrophs in energy capture and conversion in biological systems.