noun an organism that cannot produce its own food and must instead obtain its nutrition from other sources
Heterotrophs play a key role in food chains and ecosystems by consuming autotrophs or other heterotrophs.
Heterotrophs are organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on consuming other organisms for nutrients.
In microbiology, heterotrophs are a type of microbe that requires organic carbon sources for growth and reproduction.
In biology, a heterotroph is an organism that cannot produce its own food and must instead obtain nutrients and energy by consuming other organisms.
Ecologists study the role of heterotrophs in ecosystems and their interactions with autotrophs and other organisms.
Nutritionists may discuss the importance of heterotrophs in obtaining essential nutrients from a variety of food sources.