Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- Autotrophs
– Photosynthesis
- Heterotrophs
- Summary
- Did You Know?
- What’s Next?
In the previous segment, we learned about the variety of food and its sources. In this segment, we will learn about the types of organisms based on their food habits.
What are Autotrophic organisms?
Organisms capable of producing their own food are known as Autotrophs. For example, plants produce their own food through the process of photosynthesis.
What is Photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the process in which plants use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide and carry out several chemical reactions. This produces sugar molecules inside the plant body. It is the process of photosynthesis that makes the plant an autotroph.
What are Heterotrophic organisms?
Heterotrophs are the organisms which cannot produce their own food and rely on other organisms for it. For example animals rely on plants or other animals for their food.
Are all plants autotrophic in nature?
No, there are some plants that also show heterotrophic behaviour. For example, Venus fly trap. These plants can perform photosynthesis and can also prey on insects. Such plants are called Insectivorous plants.
Based on the type of food they consume, heterotrophs are of different types. We will learn about them in the next segment.
Summary
|
Autotrophs |
Organisms capable of producing their own food |
|
Photosynthes is |
Photosynthesis is the process in which plants use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide and carry out several chemical reactions. |
|
Heterotrophs |
Organisms who cannot produce their own food and rely on others for it |
