In biology, the term used for organisms that produce their own food is autotrophs. Autotrophs utilize inorganic substances, primarily carbon dioxide, and energy sources like sunlight (through photosynthesis) or chemical reactions (through chemosynthesis) to synthesize organic compounds. They are essential in ecosystems as primary producers, serving as the foundation of the food web by converting light or chemical energy into food for themselves and other organisms. Examples include green plants, algae, and certain bacteria, which play crucial roles in supporting life on Earth.