Why are living things classified as producers or consumers?

Living things are classified as producers or consumers based on their role in the food chain and how they obtain energy. Producers, such as plants and certain microorganisms, generate energy through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis by converting inorganic substances into organic matter. Consumers, on the other hand, obtain energy by consuming other organisms, either by eating producers (herbivores) or other consumers (carnivores and omnivores). This classification helps to understand ecological relationships and energy flow within ecosystems.