What are the primary producers in an ecosystem?

Primary producers in an ecosystem are essential because they form the base of the food chain. They include plants and other autotrophs, such as algae and some bacteria, that have the ability to convert sunlight into energy through the process of photosynthesis. This process allows them to produce organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water, making them vital for sustaining life in an ecosystem.

In contrast, animals that eat plants are classified as primary consumers and rely on primary producers for energy. Decomposers play a crucial role in breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem, but they do not produce energy themselves. Microorganisms that live in soil, while important for nutrient cycling and other ecological functions, are not classified as primary producers. Only those organisms that convert light energy into chemical energy are considered primary producers.