Autotrophic organisms are beings that can produce their own food using light (photosynthesis) or chemical energy (chemosynthesis), which is why they are known as producer beings. Heterotrophs cannot synthesize their own food and feed on other organisms, such as plants and animals, and for this reason they are known as consumer beings.
Autotrophic organisms Heterotrophic organisms Definition Organisms capable of producing their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Organisms unable to produce their own food from inorganic sources and dependent on other organisms in the food chain. Produces its own food Yes. No. Level in the food chain Producer. Primary, secondary and tertiary consumer. Photosynthetic Types; chemosynthetic. Carnivores; herbivores; omnivores; Hematophagous; ichthyophages; coprophagous; ornithophagous; insectivores; scavengers; planktivores. What they eat They produce their own food through light or chemical energy. They eat other organisms (plants or animals) for protein and energy. Examples Plants, algae and some bacteria. Ox, rabbit (herbivores), humans, pig (omnivores), lion, alligator (carnivores).
Energy production of autotrophic organisms
Autotrophs produce their own energy by one of the following two methods:
Photosynthesis
Photosynthetic beings use energy from the sun to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose. Glucose supplies plants with energy and is used to make cellulose, which in turn is used to build cell walls. Example: plants, algae, phytoplankton and some bacteria.
Carnivorous plants use photosynthesis for energy, but rely on other organisms for nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Therefore, these plants are autotrophic, with heterotrophic complementation.
chemosynthesis
Chemosynthetic beings use the energy of chemical reactions to produce food. Chemical reactions are normally between hydrogen sulfide or methane with oxygen. Carbon dioxide is the main carbon source for chemotrophs.
Some examples of chemosynthetic beings are: bacteria found inside active volcanoes, microorganisms found in hydrothermal vents, at the bottom of the sea or in hot water sources.
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Obtaining energy by heterotrophic organisms
Heterotrophs survive by feeding on other organisms in the food chain, such as plants or animals. Herbivorous beings are called primary consumers, because they feed directly from producers. Carnivores are secondary consumers, feeding on herbivores.
In addition to these two main types, heterotrophic organisms can also be classified as:
Omnivores: They eat both meat and vegetables. Example: humans, bears, pigs; Hematophagous: They feed on the blood of other beings. Example: louse, bedbug, mosquito; Ornithophages: They feed on bird meat. Example: peregrine falcon; Ichthyophages: They feed on fish. Examples: sea lion, osprey; Coprophagous: They feed on the feces of other animals. Example: Beetles and some species of flies; Insectivores: They feed on insects. Example: toads; Scavengers: They feed on organic waste, whether of plant or animal origin. Example: buzzard, hyena; Planktivores: They feed on plankton. Example: Stripe.
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Food chain
The food chain is the succession of energy transfer between living beings. Autotrophs do not depend on other organisms for food. They are the main producer and therefore are in the first place in the food chain.
Heterotrophs that depend on autotrophs and other heterotrophs for energy are placed next in the food chain. Herbivores that feed on autotrophs are placed in the second trophic level, and carnivores and omnivores are placed in the trophic levels below.
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