Heterotrophs

Heterotrophs are organisms that obtain their energy by consuming other organisms. They cannot produce their own food, so they rely on consuming organic matter produced by autotrophs.

Types of Heterotrophs

There are several types of heterotrophs, including:

• Herbivores: These animals feed mainly on plants.
• Carnivores: These animals feed on other animals.
• Omnivores: These animals consume both plants and animals.
• Parasites: These organisms live on or inside other organisms and obtain nutrients at the host's expense.
• Saprophytes: These organisms obtain nutrients from decaying organic matter.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about heterotrophs:

1. They obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
2. They rely on autotrophs for the organic matter they consume.
3. There are different types of heterotrophs, including herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, parasites, and saprophytes.

Understanding the role of heterotrophs in the food chain is essential for understanding ecosystem dynamics and energy flow.