Heterotroph (Noun)
Meaning
An organism that depends on complex organic substances for nutrition.
Classification
Unique beginner for nouns.
Examples
- Humans are heterotrophs, relying on a diet of plants and animals to sustain their bodies.
- In the ecosystem, heterotrophs play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients.
- Many animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, are heterotrophs that consume other organisms to obtain energy.
- Heterotrophs, such as fungi and bacteria, are responsible for decomposing dead plants and animals in the forest.
- The heterotrophs in the aquatic food web, including fish and zooplankton, feed on phytoplankton and other organic matter.