Which term describes an organism that makes its own food using sunlight or chemical energy?

• A. Producer
• B. Decomposer
• C. Primary consumer
• D. Secondary consumer

Answer: (A)

Organisms that make their own food from energy sources are producers. These autotrophs use sunlight in photosynthesis to convert light energy into chemical energy stored as sugars, or, in environments without light, some bacteria use chemosynthesis to obtain energy from inorganic chemicals. Because they generate the organic matter that fuels almost all other life, producers sit at the base of energy flow in ecosystems. Decomposers break down dead material and recycle nutrients, while primary consumers eat producers and secondary consumers eat other animals. So the term that describes an organism that makes its own food using sunlight or chemical energy is producer.