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Definitions from WordNet

Definitions from the Web

Heterotrophic

Definition:

Heterotrophic refers to an organism that cannot produce its own food and relies on consuming organic substances for sustenance.

Sense 1:

Adjective: Describing an organism or species that relies on organic matter derived from other organisms as a source of nutrition.

Example Sentences:

• Humans are heterotrophic beings as they need to consume plants or animals to obtain energy.
• Many fungi are heterotrophic organisms, obtaining nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter.
• The lion is a heterotrophic predator that hunts other animals for food.

Sense 2:

Noun: An organism or species that cannot synthesize its own food and relies on consuming organic matter obtained from other sources for survival.

Example Sentences:

• Parasites are considered heterotrophs as they rely on their host organisms for nutrition and survival.
• In the marine ecosystem, zooplankton are heterotrophs that depend on consuming phytoplankton for sustenance.
• The Venus flytrap is an interesting heterotrophic plant that captures and digests insects for nutrients.

Related Products: Heterotrophic Organisms, Heterotrophic Nutrition