Heterotrophic
Heterotrophic
Heterotrophic (pronunciation: /ˌhɛtərəˈtrɒfɪk, -ˈtroʊfɪk/) is a term used in the field of biology to describe organisms that cannot synthesize their own food and rely on organic substances for nutrition. The term is derived from the Greek words "heteros" meaning "other" and "trophe" meaning "nourishment".
Etymology
The term "heterotrophic" is derived from the Greek words "heteros" (ἕτερος), meaning "other", and "trophe" (τροφή), meaning "nourishment". It was first used in the late 19th century to differentiate organisms based on their nutritional needs.
Types of Heterotrophs
Heterotrophs can be classified into different types based on their food source and the way they obtain it:
- Saprophytes: These organisms obtain their nutrients from dead and decaying organic matter.
- Parasites: These organisms derive their nutrition from a living host, which is harmed in the process.
- Predators: These organisms hunt and consume other organisms for food.
- Scavengers: These organisms consume dead and decaying organisms.
Related Terms
- Autotroph: An organism that can synthesize its own food from inorganic substances using light or chemical energy.
- Mixotroph: An organism that can use a mix of different sources of energy and carbon, instead of having a single trophic mode.
- Phototroph: An organism that uses light as its primary energy source.
- Chemotroph: An organism that obtains energy by the oxidation of electron-donating molecules in their environments.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Heterotrophic
- Wikipedia's article - Heterotrophic
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