heterotroph

heterotroph

heterotroph (hĕt´ərətrōf´), living organism that obtains its energy from carbohydrates and other organic material. All animals and most bacteria and fungi are heterotrophic. In contrast, autotrophs are organisms that use inorganic substances as energy sources and carbon dioxide as a carbon source.

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"heterotroph." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2013. Encyclopedia.com. 23 May. 2013 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"heterotroph." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2013. Encyclopedia.com. (May 23, 2013). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-heterotr.html

"heterotroph." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2013. Retrieved May 23, 2013 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-heterotr.html

Learn more about citation styles

heterotroph

heterotroph An organism that is unable to manufacture its own food from simple chemical compounds and, therefore, consumes other organisms, living or dead, as its main or sole source of carbon. Often, single-celled autotrophs (e.g. Euglena) become heterotrophic in the absence of light.

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "heterotroph." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 23 May. 2013 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "heterotroph." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (May 23, 2013). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-heterotroph.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "heterotroph." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved May 23, 2013 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-heterotroph.html

Learn more about citation styles

heterotroph

heterotroph An organism that is unable to manufacture its own food from simple chemical compounds and therefore consumes other organisms, living or dead, as its main or sole source of carbon. Often, single-celled autotrophs (e.g. Euglena) become heterotrophic in the absence of light.

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "heterotroph." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 23 May. 2013 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "heterotroph." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 23, 2013). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-heterotroph.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "heterotroph." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Retrieved May 23, 2013 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-heterotroph.html

Learn more about citation styles

heterotroph

heterotroph An organism that is unable to manufacture its own food from simple chemical compounds and therefore consumes other organisms, living or dead, as its main or sole source of carbon. Compare AUTOTROPH.

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "heterotroph." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 23 May. 2013 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "heterotroph." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 23, 2013). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-heterotroph.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "heterotroph." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 23, 2013 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-heterotroph.html

Learn more about citation styles