In an ecosystem, a producer is an organism that synthesizes its own food from inorganic substances, primarily through photosynthesis. Producers, mainly plants and certain algae, form the foundation of food chains by converting solar energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This energy is then available to herbivores, followed by carnivores, establishing a dynamic network of energy transfer. By supporting various trophic levels, producers play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem stability and biodiversity, ultimately sustaining life on Earth.