What term is used to describe organisms that produce their own food?

The term for organisms that produce their own food is "autotrophs." Autotrophs are capable of synthesizing their own organic compounds from inorganic substances, utilizing energy sources such as sunlight or chemical reactions. This process is mainly achieved through photosynthesis in plants, algae, and some bacteria, where carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose and oxygen using sunlight.

Understanding the role of autotrophs is crucial as they form the base of the food chain, providing energy and organic materials for other organisms that cannot produce their own food. Such organisms, known as heterotrophs, rely on consuming autotrophs or other heterotrophs for their nutritional needs. The terms decomposers and producers also relate to ecological roles but have distinct definitions; decomposers break down organic matter, while producers is a broader term that can include both autotrophs and sometimes certain types of heterotrophs that contribute to energy flow in ecosystems.