The term that describes the transfer of energy through a food chain is trophic transfer. Energy flow begins with producers (typically plants) that convert solar energy into chemical energy via photosynthesis. This energy is then transferred to primary consumers (herbivores) that eat the producers, followed by secondary consumers (carnivores) that eat the herbivores, and so on. Each level, known as a trophic level, represents a stage in the energy transfer process, with energy diminishing at higher levels due to metabolic loss.