What is meant by primary production in ecology?

Primary production in ecology refers to the process by which autotrophs, primarily plants and phytoplankton, convert inorganic carbon (usually in the form of carbon dioxide) into organic compounds. This synthesis occurs through processes such as photosynthesis, where sunlight is used as the energy source to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

This process is critical as it forms the base of the food web; the organic compounds produced serve as food for herbivores, which in turn become food for carnivores. The entire ecosystem depends on this initial step of capturing energy and storing it in a form that can be utilized by other organisms. Thus, understanding primary production is essential for grasping energy flow and nutrient cycling in ecosystems.