Difference Between Autotrophs and Heterotrophs

The main difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs is the difference in food source. Autotrophs make their food, while heterotrophs depend on others for food.

Autotrophs vs. Heterotrophs

Here are the main Difference Between Autotrophs and Heterotrophs:

Factors	Autotrophs	Heterotrophs
Definition	Organisms that can produce their own food using energy from sunlight (photosynthesis) or inorganic compounds (chemosynthesis)	Organisms that obtain their food by consuming other organisms or organic matter
Energy Source	Use sunlight or inorganic compounds as the primary source of energy	Depend on organic matter produced by autotrophs or other heterotrophs as a source of energy
Carbon Source	Use carbon dioxide or inorganic carbon compounds as the source of carbon for synthesizing organic molecules	Obtain carbon by consuming organic matter
Examples	Plants, algae, some bacteria	Animals, fungi, most bacteria
Nutritional Mode	Known as producers or self-feeders	Known as consumers or other-feeders
Trophic Level	Primarily found in the lower trophic levels of food chains/webs	Occupy various trophic levels as consumers
Primary Production	Responsible for the majority of primary production in ecosystems	Depend on autotrophs for primary production
Energy Conversion Efficiency	Higher energy conversion efficiency as they capture sunlight or utilize inorganic compounds directly	Lower energy conversion efficiency as energy is transferred through the food chain
Relationship with Environment	Plays role in sustaining ecosystems by producing oxygen and serving as the base of food chains	Depend on autotrophs for energy and nutrients, and contribute to nutrient recycling
Mode of Nutrition	Autotrophic nutrition	Heterotrophic nutrition