What are the different ways living things obtain energy and what are the benefits of each strategy?

Living things obtain energy primarily through photosynthesis, chemosynthesis, and consumption. Photosynthetic organisms, like plants, convert sunlight into energy, benefiting from abundant solar energy and producing oxygen as a byproduct. Chemosynthetic organisms, such as certain bacteria, derive energy from chemical reactions, allowing them to thrive in extreme environments where sunlight is unavailable. Consumers, including animals, obtain energy by eating other organisms, which allows them to access a diverse range of energy sources and nutrients.