What is one major role of producers in an ecosystem?

Producers, primarily plants, algae, and some bacteria, play a crucial role in ecosystems by converting solar energy into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. This process allows them to transform sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. The glucose produced serves as a vital energy source for not only the producers themselves but also for other organisms within the ecosystem that rely on these producers for food, forming the foundation of the food web. By synthesizing organic compounds from inorganic materials, producers support the energy needs of herbivores, carnivores, and decomposers, thereby maintaining the flow of energy through the ecosystem.