What type of organisms utilize energy from chemical reactions involving the oxidation of inorganic compounds?

Chemoautotrophs are organisms that obtain their energy by oxidizing inorganic compounds. Unlike photoautotrophs, which derive energy from sunlight, or heterotrophs, which consume organic compounds for energy, chemoautotrophs harness the energy released from chemical reactions involving inorganic substances. These reactions often involve processes such as the oxidation of substances like hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, or ferrous iron.

Chemoautotrophs are vital in various ecological niches, especially in environments that lack sunlight, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents and certain soil conditions. They play a key role in nutrient cycling and can fix carbon dioxide into organic matter, which forms the basis for food webs in their specific habitats. Their ability to utilize inorganic materials gives them a unique ecological niche that allows them to thrive where other organisms cannot.