Autotrophs vs. Heterotrophs
Autotrophs Organisms that make (synthesize) their own food through the process of photosynthesis use the energy in sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into Glucose (food) Autotrophs are also called producers Without autotrophs, there would be no life on this planet
Examples of Autotrophs All plants Algae Cyanobacteria
Autotrophs
Heterotrophs Organisms that do not make their own food Heterotrophs are also called consumers because they consume other organisms in order to live Examples: wolves, deer and humans
Heterotrophs
Types of Consumers Consumers are broken down into 4 main groups 1. Scavenger 2. Herbivore 3. Carnivore 4. Omnivore
Types of Consumer Scavengers/Detritivores – feed on the tissue of dead organisms (both plants and animals) Ex. – Vultures, Crows, and Shrimp
Types of Consumer Herbivores – eat ONLY plants Ex. – Cows, Elephants, Giraffes
Types of Consumer Carnivores – eat ONLY meat Ex. – Lions, Wolves, Sharks
Type of Consumer Omnivores – eat BOTH plants and animals Ex. – Bears and Humans