Definition

A condition in which an organism cannot produce its own food and relies on consuming other organisms for energy and nutrients.

Example

Humans are an example of heterotrophy because we eat plants and animals for sustenance.

Conversation

Have you heard about heterotrophy in biology?

Yeah, it’s fascinating how some organisms rely on other sources for food.

Right! It’s so different from autotrophy, where they make their own food.

Exactly! Both processes are essential for the ecosystem.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Heterotrophy → It is formed from "hetero-" (from Greek "heteros", meaning different) and "trophy" (from Greek "trophē", meaning nourishment or feeding). The word describes a mode of nutrition where organisms obtain their food from different sources, as opposed to producing it themselves.

Memory Tip

Think of 'different' ('hetero-') ways of 'nourishing' ('trophy') oneself — that's what heterotrophy means.

Visually Confused Words