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The differences between autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition are that the former can synthesise their own food and the latter cannot. Autotrophic Nutrition involves organisms that can synthesise their own food from simple inorganic substances like carbon dioxide and water, using sunlight as an energy source (photosynthesis). Whereas, heterotrophic Nutrition involves organisms that cannot synthesise their own food and rely on consuming other organisms or organic matter for sustenance. They obtain energy by breaking down complex organic molecules.
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Here are the key differences between autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition:
| Autotrophic Nutrition | Heterotrophic Nutrition |
| In this nutrition mode, organisms synthesise their own food from simple inorganic substances like carbon dioxide and water, using sunlight as an energy source. | In this nutrition method, organisms cannot synthesise their own food and depend on other organisms for their nutrition. |
| In autotrophic nutrition, organisms generate food through photosynthesis (using sunlight) or chemosynthesis (using chemical energy) | In this mode, organisms ingest food and absorb nutrients directly |
| In this nutrition mode, organisms use inorganic substances (CO2, H2O, minerals), and sunlight or chemical energy to prepare food. | In this mode of nutrition, organisms depend on organic substances (plants, animals, or their products) to procure nutrients. |
| Autotrophic organisms form the base of the food chain as they are producers. | Heterotrophic organisms depend on producers for food, thus, they are consumers in the food chain. |
| Organisms following this nutritional mode convert light or chemical energy into chemical energy stored in food (glucose) | Organisms with heterotrophic nutrition mode obtain energy by breaking down organic molecules obtained from other organisms |
| Classification of organisms based on autotrophic nutrition: – Photoautotrophs (use light energy) – Chemoautotrophs (use chemical energy) | Classification of organisms based on heterotrophic nutrition:- Herbivores (eat plants) – Carnivores (eat animals) – Omnivores (eat both) – Decomposers (break down dead organisms) |
| Examples of Autotrophic Organisms: Green plants, algae, some bacteria (like cyanobacteria) | Examples of Heterotrophic Organisms: Animals, fungi, most bacteria |
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