The scientific term for organisms that can make their own food is autotrophs. These organisms utilize processes like photosynthesis or chemosynthesis to convert inorganic substances into organic materials. Photosynthetic autotrophs, such as plants and some algae, harness sunlight to synthesize their own food, while chemosynthetic autotrophs, typically found in extreme environments, derive energy from chemical reactions. By producing organic matter, autotrophs form the base of food chains and contribute significantly to the biosphere's energy flow, supporting various heterotrophic life forms that depend on them for nutrition.