What is the primary role of autotrophs in an ecosystem?

The primary role of autotrophs in an ecosystem is to support other trophic levels. Autotrophs, such as plants, algae, and some bacteria, are organisms that can produce their own food through the process of photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. They serve as the foundation of the food web, converting sunlight or chemical energy into biomass that becomes the primary source of energy for heterotrophs (consumers) in the ecosystem.

By synthesizing organic compounds from inorganic materials, autotrophs provide the basic energy source that fuels the growth and survival of herbivores, which in turn support carnivores and other higher trophic levels. This cycling of energy through autotrophs ensures that ecosystems function efficiently and sustainably.

Considering the other options, editing waste, returning nutrients, and promoting disease do not accurately capture the essential role of autotrophs in energy production and sustenance of food webs. Instead, it is their ability to convert energy from the environment into a form that other organisms can utilize that highlights their importance in ecosystems.