Describing organisms that cannot produce their own food and must obtain nutrients by consuming other organisms or organic matter. This includes all animals, fungi, and many bacteria that depend on autotrophs or other heterotrophs for energy.
From Greek 'heteros' meaning 'other' or 'different' and 'trophe' meaning 'nourishment.' The term was coined in contrast to autotrophic, emphasizing the dependence on external food sources.
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