Heterotrophs

Definition

Heterotrophs are organisms that cannot manufacture their own food and instead rely on consuming other organisms—plant or animal—for energy.

Related terms

Consumer: An organism that generally obtains food by feeding on other organisms or organic matter due to lack of the ability to manufacture own food from inorganic sources; a heterotrophic organism.

Carnivore: An animal that feeds on flesh.

Herbivore: An animal that gets its energy from eating plants.