Which type of organisms cannot produce their own food?

Heterotrophs are organisms that cannot produce their own food; instead, they obtain their nutrition by consuming other organisms, either directly or indirectly. This inability to synthesize their own food is characteristic of a wide range of organisms, including animals, fungi, and some bacteria.

In contrast, autotrophs are capable of producing their own food through processes such as photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Producers refer to organisms, mainly plants and some bacteria, that can create organic compounds from carbon dioxide and other substances, also classifying them as autotrophs. Consumers are specific types of heterotrophs that consume other organisms for energy, indicating that they rely on other life forms for sustenance.

Understanding the distinction between these categories helps clarify the roles different organisms play in ecosystems, where autotrophs often serve as primary producers and heterotrophs act as consumers within food webs.