What term describes an organism that can make its own food?

What term describes an organism that can make its own food?

• A. Producer
• B. Consumer
• C. Decomposer
• D. Parasite

Answer: (A)

An organism that can make its own food is a producer, also called an autotroph. Producers use energy from the environment—usually sunlight—to synthesize organic molecules like glucose through photosynthesis (and some, like certain bacteria, do this via chemical energy). This self-sustaining production forms the base of ecosystems, feeding consumers that rely on plants or other producers. In contrast, a consumer must eat other organisms for energy, a decomposer breaks down dead matter, and a parasite lives off a host. So, the term that best describes an organism that can make its own food is producer.

An organism that can make its own food is a producer, also called an autotroph. Producers use energy from the environment—usually sunlight—to synthesize organic molecules like glucose through photosynthesis (and some, like certain bacteria, do this via chemical energy). This self-sustaining production forms the base of ecosystems, feeding consumers that rely on plants or other producers. In contrast, a consumer must eat other organisms for energy, a decomposer breaks down dead matter, and a parasite lives off a host. So, the term that best describes an organism that can make its own food is producer.