heterotroph
[ het-er-uh-trof, -trohf ]
/ ˈhɛt ər əˌtrɒf, -ˌtroʊf /
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noun
Biology. an organism requiring organic compounds for its principal source of food.
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Which sentence is correct?
Compare autotroph.
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Scientific definitions for heterotroph
heterotroph
[ hĕt′ər-ə-trŏf′ ]
An organism that cannot manufacture its own food and instead obtains its food and energy by taking in organic substances, usually plant or animal matter. All animals, protozoans, fungi, and most bacteria are heterotrophs. Compare autotroph.
Other words from heterotroph
heterotrophic adjective (hĕt′ər-ə-trŏf′ĭk)The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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