What term describes organisms that obtain energy by oxidizing reduced inorganic compounds?

Chemoautotrophs are organisms that obtain their energy through the oxidation of reduced inorganic compounds. This process involves utilizing inorganic substances, such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, or iron, to generate energy, which is used to convert carbon dioxide into organic matter. Chemoautotrophs are crucial in ecosystems where sunlight is not available, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents, allowing them to play a significant role in the energy dynamics of such environments.

By contrast, photoautotrophs derive their energy from sunlight, while heterotrophs rely on organic substances produced by other organisms for energy. Decomposers, although they play an essential role in breaking down dead organic material to recycle nutrients, do not typically oxidize reduced inorganic compounds for energy in the same manner that chemoautotrophs do. Thus, the definition and function of chemoautotrophs make it clear why this term accurately describes organisms that utilize oxidized inorganic compounds for energy.