What term describes an organism that produces energy through photosynthesis?

The term that describes an organism that produces energy through photosynthesis is "producer." Producers are organisms, primarily plants and certain types of bacteria, that convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of glucose during photosynthesis. This process not only allows them to create their own food but also forms the foundation of the food chain, as they provide energy for consumers, such as herbivores and carnivores, that rely on them for nourishment.

In contrast, herbivores are organisms that eat plants, and they are classified as consumers because they do not produce their own energy but instead rely on producers. Consumers, in general, are organisms that obtain their energy by consuming other organisms, while decomposers break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. In summary, the role of producers is crucial in ecosystems, as they are the primary energy source for all other trophic levels.