Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
heterotroph
noun
/ˈhɛtərəʊtrɒf/
Definition
An organism that cannot produce its own food and instead obtains nutrition by consuming other organisms.
Examples
- Humans are heterotrophs because they consume plants and animals for sustenance.
- Many animals, such as lions and eagles, are classified as heterotrophs.
Meaning
Heterotrophs are living beings that depend on organic substances, primarily from plants and other animals, to meet their nutritional needs.
Synonyms
- Consumer
- Organism that feeds on others
- Dependent organism
