What does heterotroph mean Meaning and Definition
What does heterotroph mean
Pronunciation
/ˈhɛtərətrɒf/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A heterotroph is an organism that cannot produce its own food and must obtain its nutrients by consuming other organisms or organic matter.
Examples
- All animals are heterotrophs, including humans, since they rely on other organisms for their nutrition.
- Plants are autotrophs, which means they produce their own food through photosynthesis, whereas animals are heterotrophs.
Synonyms
- Consumer
- Predator
Antonyms
- Autotroph
- Producer
Etymology
The word “heterotroph” comes from the Greek words “heteros” meaning “other” and “trophē” meaning “nourishment”, and was first used in the 19th century to describe organisms that obtain their nutrients from other sources.
Usage Notes
In biology, the term “heterotroph” is often used to distinguish organisms that obtain their nutrients from outside sources from those that produce their own food through photosynthesis or other means.
Cultural References
The concept of heterotrophs has been discussed in various scientific and popular media outlets, including documentaries and science books.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
None found.
Related Words or Phrases
- Autotroph
- Predator-prey relationship
- Energy flow
Collocations
- Heterotroph and autotroph
- Consumer and producer
Frequency of Use
The word “heterotroph” is relatively rare in everyday conversation, but it is frequently used in scientific and educational contexts.
Common Misspellings
heterotrope, hetertroph, hetrotroph