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| An autotroph is an organism that is able to capture energy from sunlight or chemicals and use it to produce its own food from inorganic compounds; also called a producer. |
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| A primary producer is the first producer of energy-rich compounds that are later used by other oranisms. |
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| Photosynthesis is the process used by plants and other autotrophs to capture light energy and use it to power chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and energy-rich carbohydrates such as sugars and starches. |
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| Chemosynthesis is the process in which chemical energy is used to produce carbohydrates. |
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| A heterotroph is an organism that obtains food by consuming other living things; also called a consumer. |
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| A carnivor is an organism that obtains energy by eating animals. |
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| A herbivore is an organism that obtains energy by eating other plants. |
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| A scavenger is an animal that consumes the carcasses of other animals. |
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| An omnivore is an organism that obtains energy by eating both plants and animals. |
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| A decomposer is an organism that breaks down and obtains energy from dead organic matter. |
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| A detritivore is an organism that feeds on plant and animal remains and other dead matter. |
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