Heterotrophic

Heterotrophic organisms are those that cannot produce their own food and must obtain their energy by consuming other organisms. This is in contrast to autotrophic organisms, which can produce their own food through processes like photosynthesis.

Types of Heterotrophs

There are several types of heterotrophic organisms:

• Herbivores: These are organisms that primarily feed on plants.
• Carnivores: These are organisms that primarily feed on other animals.
• Omnivores: These are organisms that consume both plants and animals.
• Parasites: These are organisms that live on or in another organism and obtain nutrients at the host's expense.
• Detritivores: These are organisms that feed on dead and decaying organic matter.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about heterotrophic organisms:

1. They rely on consuming other organisms for energy.
2. They can be classified into different types based on their feeding habits.
3. Examples of heterotrophic organisms include humans, lions, cows, and fungi.
4. Heterotrophic nutrition is common among animals, fungi, and some bacteria.
5. Understanding heterotrophic organisms is important for understanding food webs and ecological interactions.