Discussing the differences between autotrophs and heterotrophs can prove to be fascinating. There is a significant difference between these things that is worth keeping in mind. However, you do not want to end your research there. As you are going to discover, there are numerous differences between these entities that you will want to appreciate.
What Are The Differences Between Autotrophs And Heterotrophs
Ultimately, the biggest difference you will come across with autotrophs and heterotrophs concerns the production of food. When it comes to autotrophic organisms, you’re talking about organisms that work at producing their own food. On the other hand, heterotrophic organisms are going to get the food they need through interactions with other organisms. Utilizing simple inorganic materials (carbon dioxide is a good example of what we mean), autotrophs will work to make their own nutritional organic substances. Heterotrophs do not come with this ability.
While the above represents a major difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs, it is not the only difference to consider.
One of the most interesting things about autotrophs is how flexible they are, in terms of how they set about creating their own food. You will find these organisms working with whatever might be available to them, which they will then combine with light (otherwise known as photosynthesis) or chemical energy (also known as chemosynthesis). Thanks to this fact, autotrophs occupy what is known as primary position on the food chain. In comparison, heterotrophs have limitations that place them on secondary and tertiary status with food chain levels.
A good way to look into the difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs is to look at some examples from each camp. Autotrophs can include such organisms as plants, algae, and even certain types of bacteria. With heterotrophs, you can look to a wide array of examples. Simply put, any herbivore, omnivore, or carnivore you are going to come across is going to qualify as an example of a heterotroph.
Dependency is perhaps the main thread that defines many of the differences between autotrophs and heterotrophs. Autotrophic organisms are considerably less dependent upon other influences for what they need, although they do rely on light or chemicals to a notable extent. Because autotrophs are not as dependent, they can operate at a higher point on the food chain than heterotrophs.
In the end, it is also important to remember that although these organisms are highly different from one another, everything remains connected in one form or another.
