What term is used for organisms that consume other organisms for energy?

The term used for organisms that consume other organisms for energy is "consumers." These organisms play a critical role in the food chain, obtaining energy by feeding on either plants (herbivores), other animals (carnivores), or a combination of both (omnivores).

In contrast, producers, including primary producers, are organisms, such as plants and some microorganisms, that create their own energy through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Autotrophs, a broader term that includes all producers, also synthesize their own food, but do not consume other organisms for energy. This distinction clarifies why "consumers" is the appropriate term for organisms that rely on consuming other living entities for their energy needs.