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Primary Producers

Definition

Primary producers are organisms that produce their own food through the process of photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. They form the base of the food chain by converting energy from the sun or chemicals into usable nutrients.

Analogy

Imagine primary producers as self-sufficient farmers who grow their own crops for food. They don't rely on anyone else for their sustenance because they can make it themselves!

Related terms

Photosynthesis: The process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy that can later be released to fuel the organisms' activities.

Chemosynthesis: The synthesis of organic compounds within an organism, with chemical reactions providing the energy source.

Autotrophs: Organisms capable of synthesizing its own food from inorganic substances using light or heat as a source of energy.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.