Heterotroph — Science definition
Defined in 3 courses:
- An organism that obtains organic carbon from other sources. (Life Science: Biology)
- An 'other-feeder' — an organism that gets energy by consuming other organisms. Also called a consumer; includes herbivores, carnivores, and decomposers. (Life Science: Biology)
- A consumer that obtains energy by eating other organisms, since it cannot make its own food. (Physics & Environmental Science)
Where it is taught
- ATP & the Flow of Energy — Matter & Energy in Living Systems, Life Science: Biology, Grade 10
- Energy Flow in Ecosystems — Ecosystems & Conservation Decisions, Life Science: Biology, Grade 10
- Ecosystem Structure & Energy Flow — Ecology, Populations & Biodiversity, Physics & Environmental Science, Grade 12
In use
Every other organism is a heterotroph, or consumer, that must eat to obtain energy.
Energy Flow in Ecosystems
A heterotroph obtains organic carbon by consuming organic material; not all organisms that lack photosynthesis are heterotrophs, because some autotrophs use chemical energy.
Ecosystem Structure & Energy Flow
Taught alongside
- ATP
- ADP
- autotroph
- energy coupling
- trophic level
- biomass
- energy pyramid
- ten percent rule
- standing biomass
- transfer efficiency
- gross primary productivity (GPP)
- net primary productivity (NPP)
- ecological efficiency (10% rule)