Carl Linnaeus invented a system for classifying living things using their observable characteristics. All living things are classified into a taxonomic hierarchy consisting of kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Scientists use this system to communicate consistently about different organisms. Photosynthesis allows plants to make their own food from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Food chains and webs show how energy transfers as organisms consume each other. Producers like plants harness solar energy, consumers eat other organisms to get energy, and decomposers break down waste.