What is the difference between autotrophs and hetrotrophs?

What's the difference between Autotroph and Heterotroph? Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food from the substances available in their surroundings using light (photosynthesis) or chemical energy (chemosynthesis). Heterotrophs cannot synthesize their own food and rely on other organisms — both... read more

Heterotrophs that depend on autotrophs and other heterotrophs for their energy level are placed next on the food chain. Herbivores that feed on autotrophs are placed in the second trophic level. Carnivores that eat meat and omnivores that eat all types of organisms are placed next in the trophic level. read more

Key Differences. In autotroph, photoautotroph uses chemical energy or sunlight to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and generates cellulose for cell walls. While, in heterotrophy, photoautotroph use only sunlight for energy but cannot utilize carbon dioxide as a source of carbon. read more

The main difference between autotrophic organisms and heterotrophic organisms is that the former produce their own food, while the latter rely on other organisms for food. Autotrophs create nutritional organic substances from simple inorganic sources like carbon dioxide. Heterotrophs cannot produce organic compounds from inorganic substances. read more