Which of the following best describes the relationship between autotrophs and heterotrophs?
Heterotrophs depend directly or indirectly on autotrophs for survival
Autotrophs (such as green plants and photosynthetic bacteria) synthesise their own organic food from inorganic sources using sunlight or chemical energy, while heterotrophs (such as animals, fungi and most bacteria) cannot make their own food.
Heterotrophs therefore obtain energy and carbon by consuming autotrophs directly (herbivores) or indirectly (carnivores eating herbivores). Autotrophs form the base of every food chain, while heterotrophs occupy the higher trophic levels.
Autotrophs do not depend on heterotrophs for enzymes, both groups do not produce food, and heterotrophs do not produce energy for autotrophs — these statements are biologically incorrect.
Hence, Heterotrophs depend directly or indirectly on autotrophs for survival.
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