Question

Differentiate between Autotrophic Nutrition and Heterotrophic Nutrition with examples.

Hint:

Autotrophs use light or chemical energy to make food, while heterotrophs depend on consuming other organisms. Both are essential for sustaining life on Earth.

Answer 1

Autotrophic and Heterotrophic nutrition are two distinct modes of nutrition used by organisms. Here's the difference between the two: 1. Autotrophic Nutrition:
- Organisms that can produce their own food using simple inorganic substances like carbon dioxide and water are called autotrophs.
- This process involves the synthesis of organic compounds (usually glucose) using solar energy through the process of photosynthesis or chemical energy through chemosynthesis.
- Example: Green plants, algae, and some bacteria (e.g., Cyanobacteria).
- These organisms are called producers because they produce organic compounds that serve as food for other organisms.
2. Heterotrophic Nutrition:
- Organisms that cannot produce their own food and depend on other organisms for food are called heterotrophs.
- Heterotrophs obtain organic substances from other living organisms by ingestion or absorption. - This type of nutrition includes herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and decomposers.
- Example: Humans, animals, fungi, and most bacteria.
- These organisms are called consumers because they consume other organisms for food.
Conclusion:
- Autotrophs can produce their own food, while heterotrophs rely on other organisms for food. - Both types of organisms play critical roles in ecosystems, where autotrophs serve as the base for food chains, and heterotrophs maintain ecological balance by consuming others.