distinguish between autotrophs and heterotrophs with examples
Answers
Comparison Chart
BASIS FOR COMPARISON HETEROTROPHS AUTOTROPHS
Meaning Such organisms which are unable to prepare their own food and depends on other to obtain their food are kept in this category. These are the producer and prepare their own food with the help of sunlight, air and water.
Example Animals like cow, dog, cat, elephant, lion, horse, etc. Mainly green plants, algae and some bacteria comes under this category.
Main constituents As heterotrophs does not contain chloroplast and so are unable to prepare their own food. Autotrophs like green plant contains chloroplast, so they are able to prepare their own food.
Types Two categories: Photoheterotroph and Chemoheterotroph. Two categories: Photoautotroph and Chemoautotroph.
Source of energy Heterotrophs get their energy directly or indirectly from other organisms. Autotrophs obtain energy from inorganic sources, where they convert light energy (sunlight) into chemical energy.
Dependency Heterotrophs rely on other organisms for the food. Autotrophs are independent of any organisms .
Hierarchy level Heterotrophs depends on autotrophs and are placed next on the food chain i.e. they are secondary or at tertiary level. Autotrophs are the primary producer in the food chain.
Storage of energy Heterotrophs are not capable of storing energy. Autotrophs are capable of storing sunlight and chemical energy.
Role They act as consumers. They act as producers.
Movement Hetertrophs can move from one place to another in search of food. Autotrophs (plants) cannot move from one place to another.
AUTOTROPHS ARE THE ORGANISMS WHICH MAKE THEIR OWN FOOD.
AND
HETEROTROPHS ARE THE ORGANISMS WHICH DEPENDS ON OTHERS FOR FOOD.