What does a primary producer do in an ecosystem?

A primary producer plays a crucial role in an ecosystem by converting sunlight into usable energy through the process of photosynthesis. This transformation occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria, which capture solar energy and use it to synthesize glucose from carbon dioxide and water. This glucose serves as an energy source for the primary producers themselves and forms the foundational energy base for all other organisms in the ecosystem, including herbivores and, subsequently, carnivores.

The significance of this process cannot be understated, as primary producers not only provide energy in the form of organic molecules but also release oxygen as a byproduct, which is essential for the survival of aerobic organisms. This energy flow is vital for maintaining the structure and function of ecosystems, making primary producers indispensable to ecological dynamics.