Organisms that produce their own food are termed "autotrophs." These organisms can synthesize organic compounds from inorganic sources, primarily through the process of photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Autotrophs are fundamental to the ecosystem, serving as primary producers that create energy-rich compounds that other organisms, known as heterotrophs (consumers), rely on for sustenance. Common examples of autotrophs include plants, algae, and certain bacteria, which convert sunlight or chemical energy into usable forms of nutrients and energy. This self-sufficiency is crucial for sustaining life and maintaining ecological balance.