[[1]] is a type of nutrition in which an organism obtains its food from other living things.

 

Concept: Since they are unable to prepare food, all vertebrates and non-photosynthetic plants are classified as heterotrophs.

As a result, these species seek alternative food sources.

As a result, from an ecological standpoint, heterotrophs are always secondary or tertiary consumers in a food chain.

Humans and other vertebrates transform organic, solid, or liquid food into energy.

Fungi, for example, rely on dead organic materials being converted into sustenance. 

Heterotrophs, in essence, break down complex foods into simple components that can be digested.