heterofágie

Heterofágie is a biological term referring to the process by which an organism obtains nutrients from external organic matter. This is in contrast to autotrophy, where organisms produce their own food, typically through photosynthesis. Heterotrophic organisms, known as heterotrophs, are essential components of ecosystems as they rely on other organisms for energy and carbon.

There are several ways heterotrophs acquire food. Saprotrophs, for instance, obtain nutrients by decomposing dead organic material, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling. Parasites feed on living organisms, known as hosts, often causing harm without immediately killing them. Mutualists engage in symbiotic relationships where both organisms benefit from the interaction, which can include nutrient exchange.

The vast majority of life on Earth is heterotrophic, including all animals, fungi, and most bacteria and protists. This broad category encompasses a wide range of feeding strategies, from herbivores that consume plants to carnivores that eat other animals, and omnivores that consume both. The diversity of heterotrophic life reflects the myriad ways in which organisms have evolved to exploit available organic resources. Understanding heterofágie is fundamental to comprehending food webs and the flow of energy within biological communities.