MODES OF NUTRITION

Source: General Biology 2 by M.A.O. Javier

1. Autotrophic organisms (autotrophs) can manufacture their own nutrients by

synthesizing inorganic materials (like carbon dioxide and water). Depending on the energy
source, autotrophs are of two types.

a. Photoautotrophic organisms (photoautotrophs) directly use the energy from

the sun and other inorganic substances such as carbon dioxide and water to form
organic food.

Examples: plants, some protists like algae, cyanobacteria

b. Chemoautotrophic organisms (chemoautotrophs) use chemicals to create

simpler organic substances important for their survival. Common inorganic substances
synthesized by the chemoautotrophs include hydrogen sulfide, sulfur and ammonia.

Examples: most bacteria, members of the group Archaea

2. Heterotrophic organisms (heterotrophs) cannot make their own food, and thus obtain
their energy by digesting organic matter.

a. Saprophytic or saprotrophic – organisms obtain their nutrients from dead

organic matter. Theses organisms secrete digestive juices to the surroundings, which
will be later absorbed through their body surface.
Examples: fungi and bacteria (decomposers)
b. Parasitic – an organism takes food from another organism. Parasitic nutrition is
exhibited by some plants and animals. The organism that takes food is called a
parasite, and the organism from where the food is taken is called host. The parasite
can be either outside or inside the host.
b.1. Ectoparasitism – parasite is outside the body of the host.
Examples: fleas in dogs and head lice in humans
b.2. Endoparasitism – parasite is inside the body of the host.
Examples: roundworms and hookworms
c. Holozoic – organisms ingest solid and liquid food. The food then digested and
absorbed by the body.
c.1. Herbivorous – organisms that take in only plants as source of their
energy.
Examples: sheep, rabbits, cows
 c.2. Carnivorous – organisms that eat other animals.
Examples: lions, tigers
c.3. Omnivorous – organisms that take both plants and animals.
Examples: Humans
d. Detritus feeders (Detritivores) – organisms consuming detritus or decomposing
plant and animal parts as well as feces. They are not the same as the decomposers.

Examples: earthworms, millipedes

SELF-EVALUATION
Identify the mode of nutrition exhibited by the following organisms:

1. Gumamela
2. Tick
3. Vulture
4. Bread Mold
5. Euglena
6. Ascaris
7. Polar Bear
8. Panda Bear
9. Star Fishes
10. Your Best Friend