Question

What is nutrition? Describe autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition with suitable examples.

Hint:

Plants are the primary producers in nature as they synthesize their own food through photosynthesis, whereas animals rely on other organisms for nutrition.

Answer 1

Nutrition:
Nutrition is the process by which living organisms obtain and utilize food to carry out various life processes such as growth, repair, and energy production. It involves the intake of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals from the environment.

Autotrophic Nutrition:
Autotrophic nutrition is the type of nutrition in which organisms synthesize their own food from simple inorganic substances like carbon dioxide and water, using energy from sunlight or chemical reactions. This process is mainly seen in green plants and certain bacteria. The most common example of autotrophic nutrition is photosynthesis, where green plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. \[ 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \xrightarrow{\text{light}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2 \] Here, plants are the producers in the ecosystem.

Heterotrophic Nutrition:
Heterotrophic nutrition is the type of nutrition in which organisms obtain food by consuming other organisms. These organisms are dependent on plants or other animals for their nutrients. Heterotrophic nutrition can be of different types: 1. Herbivores: Organisms that feed on plants (e.g., cows, deer). 2. Carnivores: Organisms that feed on other animals (e.g., lions, eagles). 3. Omnivores: Organisms that feed on both plants and animals (e.g., humans, bears). An example of heterotrophic nutrition is humans, who consume plants and animals for energy and nutrients.
Conclusion:
1. Autotrophic nutrition involves the production of food by organisms like plants using sunlight (photosynthesis). 2. Heterotrophic nutrition involves organisms consuming other organisms for food, such as herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.