heterotroph — an organism that cannot produce its own food and must obtain energy by consuming other organisms or organic matter
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an organism that cannot produce its own food and must obtain energy by consuming other organisms or organic matter
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈhetərəˌtroʊf/
Example Sentences
- Unlike plants, humans are heterotrophs who need to raid the refrigerator to survive.
- The lion is a classic example of a heterotroph in the African savanna.
- Most heterotrophs would starve if all the autotrophs suddenly disappeared.
heterotroph
NOUN[/ˈhetərəˌtroʊf/]
an organism that cannot produce its own food and must obtain energy by consuming other organisms or organic matter
an organism that cannot produce its own food and must obtain energy by consuming other organisms or organic matter
The philosopher ponders while the autotroph creates, but as a heterotroph, he must take what nature makes!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
A biological term derived from Greek, combining heteros (different) and trophe (nourishment). The term describes organisms that obtain their nutrition from other living organisms rather than producing their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
Breakdown
hetero- (different, other) + -troph (feeder, one that feeds) + -e (noun suffix). The root trophe means nourishment or food, relating to trophic (feeding) processes.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Unlike plants, humans are heterotrophs who need to raid the refrigerator to survive.”
“The lion is a classic example of a heterotroph in the African savanna.”
“Most heterotrophs would starve if all the autotrophs suddenly disappeared.”
“Fungi are heterotrophs that basically act like nature's recycling crew.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.