The primary source of energy for most living organisms on Earth is solar energy. The sun's energy drives the process of photosynthesis, whereby plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This energy serves as the foundation for food chains, supporting herbivores and, subsequently, carnivores. Solar energy is vital for maintaining life on Earth, influencing climates and ecosystems, and supporting processes from plant growth to the regulation of atmospheric conditions.