Autophytic (Adjective)
Meaning
Of or relating to organisms (as green plants) that can make complex organic nutritive compounds from simple inorganic sources by photosynthesis.
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- Autophytic plants, such as trees and flowers, are able to create their own food through photosynthesis, using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide as raw materials.
- In a healthy ecosystem, autophytic organisms play a crucial role in producing oxygen and organic matter for heterotrophic organisms to utilize.
- Green autophytic organisms, such as algae and cyanobacteria, form the base of aquatic food webs, supporting complex webs of life.
- Autophytic bacteria living in symbiotic relationships with certain fungi form lichens, which are capable of thriving in even the most inhospitable environments.
- Through the autophytic process of photosynthesis, plants like rice and wheat help to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic compounds, which supports global food security.