Definition

An organism that relies on consuming other organisms or organic matter for its nutrition, rather than producing its own food.

Example

Humans are heterotrophs because they need to eat plants and animals to survive.

Conversation

Did you know that a heterotroph cannot make its own food?

Really? So, how do they survive?

They rely on other organisms for their nutrition.

That makes sense! I guess we are all a bit like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Heterotroph → It is formed from "hetero-" (from Greek "heteros", meaning different) and "trophē" (from Greek "trophē", meaning nourishment or food). The word "heterotroph" refers to organisms that obtain their nourishment from different sources, specifically by consuming other organisms.

Memory Tip

Think of 'different' ('hetero-') sources of 'nourishment' ('trophē') to remember that a heterotroph is an organism that gets its food from various other living things.

Visually Confused Words