Heterotrophs, are those organisms which cannot produce their own food, and which obtain the food provided by the primary producers. As heterotrophs use food produced by autotrophs, they are also called consumers. On the basis of on the process of obtaining food, they can be divided into three types:
1. Saprophytic
2. Parasitic
3. Holozoic
1. Saprophyte: Saprophyte components survive by obtaining organic compounds derived from plants and animals in liquid form.
2. Parasite: These components depend on other living organisms for their food and survival.
3. Holozoic: These component consume food through their mouth. All the major animals, including humans come in this category.