Role in Biosphere
Role in Biosphere
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Life on Earth depends largely on the capture of solar energy by photoautotrophs (including plants) and converting that energy into biological "building blocks". Plants, therefore, require only light, water, and simple minerals for growth. In contrast, heterotrophs derive their nutrients by consuming other organisms, ultimately plants.
Plants play important roles in converting CO2 and other substances, like nitrogen, to forms readily useful to life. Plants also play a key part in the recycling of phosphorous.
