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What Are Some Common Autotrophs in a Freshwater Biome?

Autotrophs independently synthesize their own energy source using raw materials. They are photosynthetic organisms, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to produce carbohydrates for their energy supply. The most common autotrophs are plants; however, some single-cell organisms including some bacteria are also autotrophic. By converting light into usable energy for animals, autotrophs are the foundation of all ecological food systems.

  1. Freshwater Biome

    • Freshwater biomes cover approximately one-fifth of the Earth's surface. Water bodies are classified as fresh if they contain salt concentrations of less than 1 percent. This includes rivers, streams, wetlands, ponds and lakes. The penetrating sunlight allows for the function of autotrophs, which then supports a diverse range of aquatic life. Common autotrophs found in freshwater biomes include aquatic plants, phytoplankton and nitrifying bacteria.

    Plants

    • Plants play a crucial role in freshwater biomes as they are the primary food source for other aquatic organisms. Plants oxygenate water bodies and contribute to regulating water temperature by shading deeper waters from sunlight. They also give smaller aquatic animals shelter from predators and provide a safe place for organisms to lay their eggs.

    Phytoplankton

    • Phytoplankton are the autotrophs of the plankton family. They contribute a significant proportion of oxygen to the Earth's atmosphere, equivalent to nearly half of the amount provided by plants. Most phytoplankton are photoautotrophs as they contain various levels of chlorophyll, which enables them to undergo photosynthesis. However, some phytoplankton are chemoautotrophs as they produce energy from oxidation reactions. Common groups of phytoplankton include dinoflagellates, diatoms and cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are also characterized as nitrifying bacteria.

    Bacteria

    • Unlike plants and phytoplankton, autotrophic bacteria found in freshwater biomes do not produce energy through photosynthesis. Instead, they complete the nitrogen cycle by utilizing nitrogenous waste such as ammonia and nitrite to produce nitrates, which are taken up by plants. These nitrifying bacteria operate best at a pH of approximately 8.3, and within a temperature range of 77-86 degrees Fahrenheit.

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