What is a heterotroph?

Heterotrophic organisms are those that cannot produce their own food and, therefore, depend on other living beings to obtain their energy. Heterotrophs can be animals, bacteria and fungi.

Types of heterotrophs

• Herbivores: They are animals that eat plants.
• Carnivores: They are animals that feed on other animals.
• Omnivores: They are animals that feed on both plants and animals.
• Decomposers: They are bacteria and fungi that feed on dead matter.

What is an autotroph?

Autotrophic organisms are those that can produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which organisms convert solar energy into chemical energy to feed themselves.

Types of autotrophs

• Plants: They are the most common organisms that feed through photosynthesis and produce their own food.
• Bacteria: Some bacteria can make their own food through chemosynthesis.

What is the difference between heterotrophs and autotrophs?

The main difference between the two is that autotrophs can produce their own food while heterotrophs depend on other organisms for their energy. Furthermore, autotrophs are the base of all food chains and provide food for heterotrophs.

In summary, autotrophic organisms produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, while heterotrophic organisms depend on other living things to get their energy.

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