Difference Between Heterotrophs And Autotrophs

The planet earth is home to many organisms including humans. It makes one wonder as to what do these organisms eat. Moreover, what is the source of their nutrition or how they grow? After years of research, there has been categorization of organisms on the basis of where they gain nutrition from. Thus, they divide into two categories of heterotrophs and autotrophs. The former is a secondary or tertiary consumer in the food chain. For instance, plants, algae, etc. Whereas, the latter is primary producer in the food chain. For instance, animals like dog, horse, lion, etc. Therefore, we will learn about the difference between heterotrophs and autotrophs, their definitions and more.

Definition of Heterotrophs

We derive the term heterotroph from the Greek language. Hetero means different whereas trophe means nourishment. Thus, you see that organisms obtaining energy by consuming plants, animals and decomposing matter are heterotroph.

The equation for cellular respiration is:

Sugar + Oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + ATP

Moreover, it is the process which is utilized for producing energy,  where ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) is the main energy form that heterotrophs make use of.

 Definition of Autotrophs

Autotrophs are primary producers that are capable of producing their own food. They require sunlight, water and air to do that. It is also derived from the Greek language. Auto means self whereas trophe means nourishing.

Generally, plants having green leaves such as from the mosses to long trees, algae, phytoplankton and some bacteria make use of a method called photosynthesis. In here, plants acquire gain from the sun and use it in to convert carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into a nutrient which we call glucose.

Thus, glucose offers energy to the plants. It is also utilized for making cellulose, that aids in building cell walls in plants. Moreover, they don’t move from one place to another in search of food. The below reaction shows how light energy converts into chemical energy

Carbon Dioxide + Water → Sugar + Oxygen

Difference Between Heterotrophs And Autotrophs

Important Difference between Heterotrophs And Autotrophs

Basis of Comparison	Heterotrophs	Autotrophs
Meaning	They are organisms which cannot prepare their own food and depend on others for it.	They are organisms that can make their own food with sunlight, air and water’s help.
Chloroplast	Does not contain chloroplast	Green plants contain chloroplast
Energy Source	Derive it directly or indirectly from other organisms	Derive it from inorganic sources after converting light energy into chemical energy
Types	Photoheterotroph and Chemoheterotroph	Photoautotroph and Chemoautotroph
Energy Storage	Not capable of storing energy	Store chemical energy and sunlight
Dependency	Rely on other organisms for food	Independent
Role	Consumers	Producers
Food chain level	Secondary or tertiary level	Primary producer
Movement	Can move from one place to another for food	Cannot move from one place to another
Example	Animals such as elephant, cat, horse, cat, cow, dog, etc.	Green plants, algae and some bacteria

More details about Heterotrophs

There are various types of heterotrophs which divide based on their source of nutrition. Firstly, there are herbivores, animals which eat only plants. Secondly, we have carnivores, who depend on other animal’s flesh.

Thirdly, there are omnivores who get energy from eating plants and animals. Finally, we have decomposers who get nutrition from dead and decay matters.

More details about Autotrophs

It is important to note that there are some autotrophs which make use of another process known as chemosynthesis. In here, they make use of energy from chemical reactions for making food instead of obtaining it from the sun.

Thus, organisms that live in extreme environments such as bacteria that live in volcanoes which are active , or in deep ocean utilize this process. However, Pitcher plants are the exception as they are mixotrophic.

FAQs about Difference Between Heterotrophs And Autotrophs

Question 1: State one difference between heterotrophs and autotrophs.

Answer 1: If we look at the hierarchy level, we see that heterotrophs are at the secondary or tertiary level. Whereas, autotrophs are the primary producers.

Question 2: What are the different types of autotrophs?

Answer 2: The different types of autotrophs are Photoautotrophs and Chemoautotrophs. The former are organisms that use sunlight to prepare their own food. On the other hand, the latter are ones that obtain energy from carbon dioxide using inorganic energy sources.