What term describes primary plants that convert sunlight into energy?

The term that describes primary plants that convert sunlight into energy is "photoautotrophs." These organisms use photosynthesis to capture light energy, primarily from the sun, and convert it into chemical energy in the form of glucose. During this process, they take in carbon dioxide and water and, using sunlight, produce oxygen as a byproduct.

Photoautotrophs are essential to ecosystems because they form the base of the food web, supplying energy to heterotrophs (which cannot produce their own food) and other organisms. Their ability to harness solar energy not only sustains themselves but also supports herbivores, carnivores, and even decomposers by providing a continuous source of organic material.

In contrast, heterotrophs depend directly or indirectly on these primary producers for energy, carnivores specifically consume other animals rather than converting sunlight into energy, and decomposers break down organic matter but do not photosynthesize. This distinguishes photoautotrophs as the vital energy converters within ecological systems.