Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
primary producer
noun
/ˈpraɪˌmɛri prəˈdjuːsər/
Definition
An organism that produces its own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, serving as a foundation for the food chain.
Examples
- Plants are primary producers because they make their own food using sunlight.
- In aquatic environments, phytoplankton are primary producers that support marine food webs.
- Without primary producers, ecosystems would lack the necessary energy to support life.
Meaning
Primary producers are essential to ecosystems as they convert energy from sunlight or chemical sources into organic matter, which provides energy for other organisms.
Synonyms
- autotroph
- producer
- green plant
