What is the term for organisms that make their own food?

The term for organisms that make their own food is "autotrophs." Autotrophs are capable of synthesizing their own organic compounds from simple inorganic substances, utilizing energy sources such as sunlight or chemical reactions. This process is commonly seen in plants through photosynthesis, where they convert light energy into chemical energy to create glucose and other organic materials essential for their survival.

In contrast, heterotrophs are organisms that cannot produce their own food and must consume other organisms or organic matter for energy. Producers typically refer to the broader category of autotrophs that serve as the base of the food chain by generating organic material. Consumers, on the other hand, are organisms that rely on eating other organisms for nourishment. Thus, "autotrophs" accurately describes those that can create their own food, distinguishing them from other types of organisms in the ecosystem.