Difference between Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
The differences between autotrophs and heterotrophs are given below:
| Autotrophs | Heterotrophs |
| Type of Organisms | |
| Usually members of the plant kingdom and certain unicellular organisms like cyanobacteria | All members of the animal kingdom |
| Mode of Nutrition | |
| Autotrophs are producers who prepare their own food. | Heterotrophs are consumers who depend on other sources for their food. |
| Classified into | |
| These can be classified as photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs. | These can be classified as photoheterotrophs and chemoheterotrophs. |
| Presence of chloroplasts | |
| The chloroplast helps in preparing food. | They do not contain chloroplast, so cannot prepare food. |
| Energy is obtained from | |
| They obtain energy from inorganic sources by converting light energy into chemical energy. | They obtain energy directly or indirectly from other organisms. |
| Energy Storage | |
| Autotrophs can store light energy and chemical energy. | Heterotrophs cannot store energy. |
| In Food Chain | |
| They are placed at the primary level in the food chain. | These are placed in the secondary or tertiary level in the food chain. |
| Locomotion | |
| They cannot move from their place. | Can move from one place to another in search of food and shelter. |
| Examples | |
| Green plants, algae and a few photosynthetic bacteria are examples of autotrophs. | Cows, buffaloes, tigers, horses, humans are examples of heterotrophs. |
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