**Saprotrophic Nutrition:**

**Definition:**
Saprotrophic nutrition is a mode of nutrition in which organisms obtain their nutrients from dead and decaying organic matter. These organisms are known as saprotrophs or saprophytes.

**Explanation:**
Saprotrophs are mainly decomposers and play a vital role in the ecosystem. They help in the breakdown and recycling of dead organic matter, such as dead plants, animals, and other organic substances. They secrete enzymes onto the dead matter, which break down complex organic molecules into simpler forms. These simpler forms of nutrients are then absorbed by the saprotrophs for their own nutrition.

**Characteristics of Saprotrophic Nutrition:**

1. **Extracellular Digestion:** Saprotrophs secrete enzymes outside their body onto the dead organic matter. These enzymes break down complex organic molecules into simpler forms, such as sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids.

2. **Absorption:** Once the organic matter is broken down into simpler forms, the saprotrophs absorb these nutrients through their body surface. They do not have a specialized digestive system like other organisms.

3. **No Ingestion:** Unlike animals, saprotrophs do not ingest their food. They directly absorb the nutrients from the dead matter.

4. **Decomposers:** Saprotrophs are important decomposers in the ecosystem. They help in the recycling of nutrients by breaking down dead organic matter into simpler forms, which can be used by other organisms.

**Examples of Saprotrophs:**

1. **Fungi:** Fungi are the most common organisms that exhibit saprotrophic nutrition. They secrete enzymes, such as amylase, protease, and cellulase, onto the dead matter and absorb the nutrients.

2. **Bacteria:** Certain bacteria, such as Actinomycetes, also exhibit saprotrophic nutrition. They break down dead matter and absorb the nutrients.

3. **Some Protists:** Some protists, such as slime molds and water molds, also obtain their nutrients through saprotrophic nutrition.

In conclusion, saprotrophic nutrition is a mode of nutrition where organisms obtain nutrients by breaking down dead and decaying matter. This process is carried out by saprotrophs, such as fungi, bacteria, and some protists. They secrete enzymes to break down complex organic molecules and absorb the resulting nutrients.