Question

Differentiate between autotrophic and heterotrophic modes of nutrition.

Answer 1

1. The autotrophic mode of nutrition is self synthesized nutrition. Organisms with such a type of nutrition are called autotrophs or autotrophic organisms.
2. The heterotrophic mode of nutrition is another way of receiving nutrition by organisms that cannot utilize inorganic components for nutrition. Organisms with this mode of nutrition are called heterotrophs or heterotrophic organisms.

Autotrophic mode of nutrition	Heterotrophic mode of nutrition
1. Organisms with this type of nutrition can synthesize their own food by using inorganic components like carbon dioxide and water.	1. Organisms of such nutrition types cannot synthesize their own food.
2. Autotrophic organisms are independent to fulfill their nutritional supplies.	2. Heterotrophic organisms are dependent on other organisms to receive food and nutrition.
3. Organisms with such a type of nutrition are green plants and blue-green algae.	3. Organisms with such type of nutrition are human beings, tigers, lions, birds and insects.