The group of protists that can be autotrophic, heterotrophic, or both are known as protozoa. These organisms exhibit a remarkable diversity in their modes of nutrition.
Some protozoa, like euglena, can perform photosynthesis due to the presence of chloroplasts, thus acting as autotrophs. This ability allows them to convert light energy into chemical energy, creating their own food.
On the other hand, many protozoa are heterotrophic, feeding on organic matter or other organisms. For example, amoebas and paramecium engulf their food through a process called phagocytosis.
Additionally, there are protists like dinoflagellates, which can switch between these two modes, depending on the environmental conditions and availability of resources. This versatility makes protozoa a fascinating subject of study in the realm of microbiology.