In ecology, what do we call the process by which plants produce their own food using sunlight?

The process by which plants produce their own food using sunlight is known as photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants capture light energy from the sun through a pigment called chlorophyll, which is primarily found in their leaves. This light energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose, a type of sugar that serves as food for the plant. Oxygen is also produced as a byproduct of this reaction and is released into the atmosphere.

Photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth because it not only provides the food that plants need to grow and thrive but also produces oxygen, which is vital for the survival of most living organisms. By understanding photosynthesis, students can appreciate how energy flows through ecosystems and how plants serve as the foundation for food chains.