In what way do autotrophs contribute to an ecosystem?

Autotrophs play a crucial role in ecosystems primarily through their ability to capture and store energy via photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. By converting inorganic substances, such as carbon dioxide and water, into organic compounds like glucose, they form the foundational base of the food web. This process not only provides energy for autotrophs themselves, but also makes energy available to heterotrophs—organisms that rely on autotrophs for their nutritional needs.

Through this energy conversion, autotrophs help maintain the flow of energy within an ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of life forms that depend on them for sustenance. This is essential for the survival and thriving of ecosystems, as energy must continuously flow through different trophic levels for ecological balance.

The other options describe processes that do not align with the primary function of autotrophs. For instance, breaking down organic matter is typical of decomposers, which recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. Consuming other organisms for energy pertains to heterotrophs, while creating toxins is more associated with certain species that may impact populations but is not a fundamental role of autotrophs in the ecosystem.