An amoeba is heterotrophic. This means that it obtains its food by consuming other organisms rather than producing its own energy through photosynthesis.
Amoebas are single-celled organisms that primarily feed on bacteria, algae, and other small particles by engulfing them in a process called phagocytosis. They extend their plasma membrane to surround the food particle, forming a food vacuole where digestion occurs.
Unlike plants, which are photosynthetic and convert sunlight into energy, amoebas do not have chloroplasts and thus lack the capacity to perform photosynthesis. Their adaptability and ability to move and envelop food sources make them successful in various environments, but their heterotrophic nature defines how they acquire nutrients.