What is the term for organisms that produce their own food?

The term for organisms that produce their own food is autotrophs. These organisms have the ability to synthesize organic compounds from inorganic substances, using processes such as photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. In photosynthesis, for example, autotrophs, such as plants, convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in glucose, enabling them to create their own food from carbon dioxide and water. This process is fundamental to the survival of ecosystems, as autotrophs form the base of the food chain by providing energy for heterotrophs, which are organisms that rely on consuming other organisms for nourishment.

Understanding the distinction between autotrophs and other categories such as heterotrophs (which cannot produce their own food), decomposers (which break down dead organic materials), and parasites (which obtain nutrients by living on or in a host organism), further clarifies the unique role that autotrophs play in energy flow and nutrient cycling within ecosystems. This foundational knowledge is essential for grasping the dynamics of biological systems and the various interactions among different types of organisms.