Final answer:
Photosynthetic and chemosynthetic organisms are autotrophs that use light energy to synthesize organic compounds from inorganic compounds. They are critical for most ecosystems as they provide energy to other living organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Photosynthetic and chemosynthetic organisms are autotrophs, which are organisms capable of synthesizing their own food. Photosynthetic autotrophs use light energy to synthesize organic compounds from inorganic compounds. Autotrophs are critical for most ecosystems as they occupy the trophic level containing producers. Without autotrophs, energy would not be available to other living organisms, and life itself would not be possible.