Autotrophic nutrition :
1.Organism prepares its own food.
2.It is independent for its food requirements.
3.eg :green plants


Heterotrophic nutrition :
1.Organism does not prepare its own food.
2.It depends on plants for food requirements
3.eg :animals,human beings etc.
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**Difference Between Autotrophic Nutrition and Heterotrophic Nutrition**

Autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition are the two main modes of nutrition in organisms. These two types of nutrition differ in terms of the source of energy and carbon they use to synthesize their food. Let's explore the differences between autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition.

**Autotrophic Nutrition:**
Autotrophic nutrition is the process by which organisms synthesize their own food using simple inorganic raw materials. These organisms are called autotrophs or producers as they are capable of producing their own organic compounds. Autotrophs utilize light energy or chemical energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, which is then used as a source of energy. Some examples of autotrophs include plants, algae, and some bacteria.

**Heterotrophic Nutrition:**
Heterotrophic nutrition is the process by which organisms obtain their food by consuming other organisms or organic substances. These organisms are called heterotrophs or consumers as they rely on external sources for their food. Heterotrophs cannot synthesize their own organic compounds and depend on autotrophs or other heterotrophs for nutrition. Heterotrophs consume complex organic molecules and break them down into simpler substances to obtain energy. Animals, fungi, and most bacteria are examples of heterotrophs.

**Differences between Autotrophic and Heterotrophic Nutrition:**

1. **Energy Source:**
- Autotrophs: They utilize light energy (photosynthesis) or chemical energy (chemosynthesis) to synthesize their own food.
- Heterotrophs: They obtain energy by consuming other organisms or organic substances.

2. **Carbon Source:**
- Autotrophs: They use carbon dioxide from the environment as their carbon source.
- Heterotrophs: They obtain carbon from organic compounds present in other organisms.

3. **Food Production:**
- Autotrophs: They produce their own food through the process of photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
- Heterotrophs: They do not produce their own food and rely on other organisms for nutrition.

4. **Types of Organisms:**
- Autotrophs: Plants, algae, and some bacteria are examples of autotrophs.
- Heterotrophs: Animals, fungi, and most bacteria are examples of heterotrophs.

5. **Energy Storage:**
- Autotrophs: They store energy in the form of carbohydrates, such as glucose and starch.
- Heterotrophs: They store energy in the form of complex organic molecules, such as glycogen or fats.

In conclusion, autotrophic nutrition involves the ability of organisms to synthesize their own food using inorganic raw materials, while heterotrophic nutrition involves the consumption of other organisms or organic substances to obtain nutrients. These two modes of nutrition play a crucial role in sustaining different organisms in the ecosystem.