1. Sunlight: Ferns absorb sunlight through their leaves, specifically using chlorophyll, a green pigment.
2. Carbon Dioxide: They take in carbon dioxide from the air through tiny pores on their leaves called stomata.
3. Water: Ferns absorb water from the soil through their roots.
4. Photosynthesis: Within their leaves, ferns use the energy from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose (sugar) and oxygen. This process is called photosynthesis.
5. Energy Storage: The glucose produced serves as food for the fern, providing it with energy for growth, reproduction, and other functions. Oxygen is released as a byproduct.
Therefore, ferns are autotrophs, meaning they produce their own food through photosynthesis. They are not dependent on other organisms for their energy.
