Write two differences between autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition.

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Solution

Hint: Food is the source of energy that one uses for physical activities, physiological and metabolic functions. Living organisms obtain their food through different modes.

Part 1 - Definition
Nutrition involves the method by which the food is consumed and utilized for the nutrients by the organisms from the food.

Part 2 - Modes of nutrition
Living organisms are further divided based on the modes of nutrition:
Autotrophs
Heterotrophs

Part 3 - Basis of classification
Autotrophs can prepare their own food because of the presence of chlorophyll within their cells.
Heterotrophs can not prepare their own food due to the absence of chlorophyll, hence indirectly depends upon autotrophs for their nutrition.

Part 4 - Examples of organisms
Autotrophs: Blue-green algae, multicellular algae, and plants.
Heterotrophs: Cows, buffaloes, tigers, horses, and humans.

Part 5 - Tabular representation
Autotrophic nutrition Heterotrophic nutrition
Definition
When an organism prepared their own food and does not depend on any other organism. When an organism depends on the plant or another animal for food.
Mode of nutrition An organism that follows the autotrophic mode of nutrition is called as autotroph.
Organisms are also known as producers.
An organism that carries out heterotrophic nutrition is heterotroph.
Organisms are also known as consumers.

Classification Autotrophic mode of nutrition is further divided into two categories:
(i) Photoautotrophs (uses photosynthesis as a source of energy)
(ii) Chemoautotrophs (uses chemosynthesis) Heterotrophic mode of nutrition is further divided into three groups such as:
(i) Holozoic nutrition
(ii) Saprophytic nutrition
(iii) Parasitic nutrition
Presence of chlorophyll Organisms have chlorophyll pigment.
Organisms do not have chlorophyll.
Examples of organisms
plants, blue-green algae and non- green sulphur bacteria
bacteria, fungi and animals

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