The role of producers in an ecosystem is foundational, as they are the primary source of energy and nutrients. Producers, primarily plants and photosynthetic organisms, convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis, creating organic compounds that serve as food for other organisms. This process supports the entire food web, with herbivores (primary consumers) feeding on producers and carnivores (secondary and tertiary consumers) feeding on herbivores. Producers help maintain ecosystem stability, carbon cycling, and oxygen production, making them vital to sustaining life on Earth.