Which term best describes organisms that produce their own food using sunlight?

Organisms that produce their own food using sunlight are known as autotrophs. This term specifically refers to organisms that can synthesize their own organic compounds from simple inorganic substances, primarily through the process of photosynthesis. In this process, plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy (usually from the sun) into chemical energy stored in glucose, which they can then use for growth and metabolism.

Autotrophs are crucial in ecosystems as they form the base of the food chain, providing energy not only for themselves but also for other organisms that depend on them—these are known as consumers or heterotrophs. While consumers obtain their food by consuming other organisms and detritivores feed on decomposing organic matter, autotrophs stand out as the only group capable of creating their own food, making them essential for life on Earth.