What term describes an organism that produces its own food?

The term that describes an organism that produces its own food is "producer." Producers are typically plants or photosynthetic organisms that can create organic material through processes such as photosynthesis, where they convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy. This fundamental role allows them to serve as the base of food chains and ecosystems, providing energy and nutrients for consumers, such as animals, that rely on producers for sustenance.

The other terms refer to different roles in the ecosystem. Consumers are organisms that obtain their energy by eating other organisms. Prey refers specifically to animals that are hunted and eaten by predators. Herbivores are a specific type of consumer that only eat plants. Therefore, "producer" accurately identifies organisms that are capable of generating their own food.