Which type of nutrition relies on consuming organic substances for energy?

Heterotrophic nutrition is characterized by organisms that rely on consuming organic substances to obtain energy. These organisms, which include animals, fungi, and many bacteria, cannot synthesize their own food from inorganic sources. Instead, they take in pre-formed organic molecules through processes such as ingestion, absorption, or ingestion of decomposing organic matter.

This form of nutrition is essential for the survival of heterotrophs, as they depend on the organic materials produced by autotrophs, which can create their own food either through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Photosynthetic nutrition involves using light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, while chemosynthetic nutrition involves using chemical energy derived from inorganic compounds. In contrast, heterotrophs do not have the capability to produce their own nutrients and instead depend on the organic compounds made available through other living organisms.