heterótrofo

Heterótrofo is a term used in biology to describe organisms that cannot produce their own food. Instead, they obtain energy and nutrients by consuming other organisms. This contrasts with autotrophs, which are capable of photosynthesis and producing their own organic compounds from inorganic sources.

Heterotrophic organisms play a crucial role in ecosystems as consumers. They form the basis of food chains, transferring energy from producers to higher trophic levels. Examples of heterotrophs include animals, fungi, and many bacteria.

There are several types of heterotrophs based on their diet. Herbivores consume plants, carnivores consume other animals, and omnivores consume both plants and animals. Detritivores and decomposers, such as fungi and many bacteria, obtain nutrients by breaking down dead organic matter. This process is essential for nutrient cycling in the environment.

The metabolic processes of heterotrophs involve breaking down complex organic molecules into simpler ones through cellular respiration, releasing energy that is then used for their life functions. This reliance on external sources for energy makes them dependent on other life forms, highlighting the interconnectedness of living organisms within an ecosystem.