Heterotrophic

Heterotrophic is a term used to describe organisms that cannot produce their own food and must obtain nutrition from other sources.

Types of Heterotrophic Organisms

There are several types of heterotrophic organisms, including:

• Animals
• Fungi
• Some bacteria
• Most protists

Obtaining Nutrition

Heterotrophic organisms obtain nutrition by consuming other organisms or organic matter. This can be done through:

• Feeding on plants or other animals
• Decomposing organic material
• Parasitism

Study Guide

Use the following questions to guide your study of heterotrophic organisms:

1. What does the term "heterotrophic" mean?
2. List the types of organisms that are heterotrophic.
3. How do heterotrophic organisms obtain nutrition?
4. Provide examples of heterotrophic organisms and how they obtain their food.