heterotrophic
/ˌhɛtərəˈtrɑfɪk/
adjective
- Describing an organism that cannot produce its own food and must obtain energy by consuming other organisms or organic matter.
- In a food web, heterotrophic consumers depend on autotrophic producers for survival.
- Fungi are heterotrophic organisms that absorb nutrients from decaying material.
- All animals are heterotrophic, relying on plants or other animals for food.