heterotroph

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Discern between self-sustaining autotrophs and consumer heterotrophs and find their places in the food chain

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heterotroph

ecology

Also known as: heterotrophy

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

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Related Topics:: trophic pyramid; mycoheterotroph; organotroph; decomposer; consumer

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heterotroph, in ecology, an organism that consumes other organisms in a food chain.

In contrast to autotrophs, heterotrophs are unable to produce organic substances from inorganic ones. They must rely on an organic source of carbon that has originated as part of another living organism. Heterotrophs depend either directly or indirectly on autotrophs for nutrients and food energy. For example, raccoons might consume corn (maize) planted in a field, or they might catch and eat rodents that rely on corn as a food source.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Meg Matthias.