Question

1. what is the difference between an autotroph and a heterotroph?

Explanation:

Autotrophs can produce their own food (e.g., plants via photosynthesis) using inorganic substances and energy (like sunlight or chemical energy). Heterotrophs cannot make their own food and rely on consuming other organisms (either autotrophs or other heterotrophs) for energy and nutrients (e.g., animals, fungi). The key difference is in their food - making ability.

Answer:

Autotrophs can synthesize their own food from inorganic materials using energy (e.g., photosynthesis in plants), while heterotrophs cannot produce their own food and depend on consuming other organisms (autotrophs or heterotrophs) for energy and nutrients.