The primary source of energy for the Earth's ecosystems is solar energy, derived from the sun. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants, algae, and some bacteria convert solar energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This primary production forms the basis of food webs, supporting both herbivores and carnivores. Solar energy is essential for driving the processes that sustain life, influencing climate and weather, and supporting the growth of plants, which are foundational to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The reliance on solar energy underlines the interconnectedness of all life forms.