Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of autotrophs?

Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food, typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. The distinguishing feature of autotrophs is their ability to synthesize organic compounds from inorganic substances, meaning they do not rely on other organisms for their energy or nutrient needs.

The choice indicating dependency on other organisms for food is not a characteristic of autotrophs, as this trait pertains to heterotrophs, which obtain their nutrition by consuming organic material from other organisms. Autotrophs possess capabilities that allow them to convert sunlight or chemical energy into usable forms, like glucose, thereby establishing themselves as primary producers in their ecosystems.