Parasitic nutrition is a type of nutrition in which the organisms live on or inside the body of their host and derive their food from them. The organism which obtains the food is called a parasite and the organism from whose body food is obtained is called the host parasite usually harms the host.

Parasitic Nutrition:

Parasitic nutrition is a type of nutrition in which an organism, known as a parasite, obtains its nutrients from another organism, known as a host, at the expense of the host's health. Parasites are dependent on their host for survival and reproduction. They can be found in various forms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and animals.

Key Points:

1. Definition: Parasitic nutrition is a type of nutrition in which an organism, called a parasite, obtains its nutrients from another organism, known as a host.

2. Dependency: Parasites are dependent on their host for survival and reproduction. They cannot live independently and rely on the host's resources for their growth and development.

3. Harm to the Host: Parasites harm the host organism by taking away essential nutrients, causing damage to tissues and organs, and weakening the host's immune system. This can lead to various health problems and diseases.

4. Modes of Parasitic Nutrition: Parasites can obtain nutrients from the host through different methods, such as:

- Absorption: Some parasites, like fungi, absorb nutrients directly from the host's body. They secrete enzymes that break down the host's tissues, allowing them to absorb the released nutrients.

- Sucking: Certain parasites, such as ticks and leeches, have specialized mouthparts that enable them to suck blood or fluids from the host's body.

- Intracellular: Intracellular parasites, like viruses and bacteria, invade the host's cells and utilize the host's cellular machinery to reproduce and obtain nutrients.

Autotrophic Nutrition:

Autotrophic nutrition is a type of nutrition in which organisms synthesize their own food using inorganic substances and energy from the environment. Autotrophs, also known as producers, are capable of photosynthesis or chemosynthesis to produce their own organic compounds.

Key Points:

1. Definition: Autotrophic nutrition is a type of nutrition in which organisms synthesize their own food using inorganic substances and energy from the environment.

2. Energy Source: Autotrophs use energy from the sun (photosynthesis) or chemical reactions (chemosynthesis) to convert inorganic substances into organic compounds.

3. Photosynthesis: Plants, algae, and some bacteria are examples of autotrophs that perform photosynthesis. They use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen.

4. Chemosynthesis: Certain bacteria and archaea can perform chemosynthesis. They use energy from chemical reactions, such as the oxidation of inorganic compounds like sulfur or ammonia, to produce organic molecules.

Heterotrophic Nutrition:

Heterotrophic nutrition is a type of nutrition in which organisms obtain their nutrients by consuming organic matter from other organisms. Heterotrophs, also known as consumers, cannot produce their own food and rely on other sources for their nutritional needs.

Key Points:

1. Definition: Heterotrophic nutrition is a type of nutrition in which organisms obtain their nutrients by consuming organic matter from other organisms.

2. Dependency: Heterotrophs are dependent on other organisms for their food. They cannot synthesize organic compounds and must obtain them from external sources.

3. Types of Heterotrophs: Heterotrophs can be classified into different types based on their feeding habits:

- Herbivores: Herbivores consume plant material as their main source of nutrition.

- Carnivores: Carnivores feed