What are the various modes of nutrition?

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Detailed Solution

Nutrition is the process by which living organisms obtain and use food for growth, energy, and repair. There are two main modes of nutrition, based on how organisms get their food:

1. Autotrophic Nutrition

Organisms make their own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
This process is called photosynthesis.
Found in green plants, algae, and some bacteria.

Example:
Plants like spinach, grass, and trees.

2. Heterotrophic Nutrition

Organisms depend on other organisms for their food.
Found in animals, fungi, and non-green plants.
It is divided into 3 types:

a. Holozoic Nutrition

Organism ingests solid food and digests it inside the body.
Example: Humans, dogs, cats.

b. Saprophytic Nutrition

Organism feeds on dead and decaying matter.
Example: Fungi, mushrooms.

c. Parasitic Nutrition

Organism lives on or inside another living being (host) and takes its food.
Example: Lice, tapeworm, Cuscuta (Amarbel plant).

Summary Table:

Mode of Nutrition	Description	Examples
Autotrophic	Makes own food using sunlight	Green plants, algae
Holozoic (Heterotroph)	Eats solid food	Humans, lion, fish
Saprophytic	Feeds on dead/decaying matter	Fungi, mushrooms
Parasitic	Lives off a host for food	Lice, tapeworm, Cuscuta