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Are Plants Autotrophs? — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging, audio-integrated reading passage for Grade 6 explores the fascinating world of plants as autotrophs. Students will discover how plants use light energy to create their own food through a process called photosynthesis, forming energy-rich carbon-based molecules like sugars from carbon dioxide and water. Aligned with NGSS Standard LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow, this passage defines key terms and explains the vital role plants play in the ecosystem. It includes relevant keywords such as autotrophs, photosynthesis, energy, and carbon-based molecules to enhance comprehension and reinforce scientific concepts.

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Cartoon diagram showing photosynthesis with sun, plant, water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. — Plants use sunlight, water, and air to make food and release oxygen.

Imagine being able to make your own lunch just by standing in the sun! While humans can't do that, plants have this amazing ability. They are the ultimate food makers of our planet. This unique skill means plants are called autotrophs. The word "auto" means self, and "troph" means feeding. So, an autotroph is an organism that produces its own food, rather than relying on other organisms.

How do plants accomplish this incredible feat? They use a process called photosynthesis. Think of photosynthesis as a plant's kitchen, where all the ingredients come together to create food. The main ingredients plants need are sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a gas present in the air all around us. Water is absorbed from the soil through the plant's roots. Sunlight provides the energy needed to power this whole cooking process.

During photosynthesis, plants capture the energy from sunlight using a special green pigment called chlorophyll, which is mostly found in their leaves. This captured light energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars. These sugars are a type of carbon-based molecule, and they are the plant's food source. The sugars provide the plant with the energy it needs to grow, reproduce, and carry out all its life functions. It's like baking a cake – you mix ingredients, apply heat (energy), and get a delicious product.

An important byproduct of photosynthesis is oxygen. Plants release oxygen back into the atmosphere, which is essential for most living things, including us, to breathe. So, plants not only feed themselves but also help provide the air we need to survive. This makes plants incredibly important producers in almost every ecosystem on Earth, forming the base of many food chains.

Interesting Fact: Some plants, like certain types of orchids, can also get some nutrients from fungi or decaying matter, but they primarily rely on photosynthesis for their energy.

What does the word 'autotroph' mean?

Self-feeding organismFeeds on other plantsEats only meatNeeds no food

What gas do plants release during photosynthesis?

Carbon dioxideOxygenNitrogenHydrogen

What is the main purpose of photosynthesis for a plant?

To absorb waterTo create foodTo release gasTo capture sunlight

Which of these is NOT an ingredient for photosynthesis?

SunlightWaterOxygenCarbon dioxide

Why are plants considered important 'producers'?

They grow tallThey make their own foodThey are greenThey need water

If a plant doesn't get enough sunlight, what might happen to its ability to make food?

It will make more foodIt will stop needing waterIt will make less foodIt will change color