Heterotroph

Pronunciation: /ˈhɛtəroʊˌtroʊf/

Definitions of heterotroph

noun an organism that cannot produce its own food and must instead obtain its nutrition from other sources

Example Sentences

A1 A heterotroph is an organism that cannot produce its own food.

A2 Heterotrophs rely on other organisms for their nutrition.

B1 Some examples of heterotrophs include animals, fungi, and some bacteria.

B2 Heterotrophs obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

C1 The evolution of heterotrophs played a crucial role in the development of ecosystems.

C2 Heterotrophs have complex metabolic processes to break down organic matter for energy.

Examples of heterotroph in a Sentence

formal A heterotroph is an organism that cannot produce its own food and relies on consuming other organisms for energy.

informal My friend told me that humans are classified as heterotrophs because we need to eat plants and animals to survive.

slang I heard that heterotrophs are the ultimate moochers in the animal kingdom, always relying on others for food.

figurative In a way, being a heterotroph is like being a perpetual guest at a dinner party, constantly relying on others to provide sustenance.

Grammatical Forms of heterotroph

• past tense: heterotrophed
• plural: heterotrophs
• comparative: more heterotrophic
• superlative: most heterotrophic
• present tense: heterotrophes
• future tense: will heterotrophize
• perfect tense: have heterotrophed
• continuous tense: is heterotrophing
• singular: heterotroph
• positive degree: heterotrophic
• infinitive: to heterotroph
• gerund: heterotrophing
• participle: heterotrophed

Origin and Evolution of heterotroph

First Known Use: 1876 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'heterotroph' originated from the Greek words 'hetero' meaning 'other' and 'trophe' meaning 'nourishment'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in biology to describe organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on consuming other organisms for nutrients, the term 'heterotroph' has since been adopted in various scientific fields to refer to organisms that obtain energy by consuming organic substances.