Organisms that make their own food are called producers or autotrophs. The most common examples of autotrophs are plants, algae, and certain types of bacteria. These organisms utilize a process known as photosynthesis to convert sunlight into chemical energy, which they use to create food from carbon dioxide and water.
In addition to photosynthesis, some autotrophs also rely on chemosynthesis, a process where they produce food using chemical energy from inorganic compounds. This is particularly common in certain bacteria that live in extreme environments, like deep-sea hydrothermal vents.
Overall, these organisms play a crucial role in ecosystems as they form the base of the food chain, providing energy for all other living forms.