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

The term that describes organisms that make their own food is 'producers.' Producers, primarily plants and some microorganisms like algae, utilize photosynthesis to convert sunlight into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process involves the absorption of carbon dioxide and water, which, through sunlight's energy, is transformed into organic compounds. Producers form the base of the food chain as they provide the energy necessary for other organisms (consumers) who rely on them directly or indirectly for sustenance. This explanation highlights the essential role that producers play in ecosystems, as they are fundamental to energy flow and nutrient cycling within those systems.