Classification of organism on the basis of Energy
Autotrophs
- Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own energy-rich organic compounds using inorganic sources.
- They utilize sunlight (photosynthesis) or inorganic compounds (chemosynthesis) to convert carbon dioxide into organic molecules.
- Examples include plants, algae, and some bacteria.
Heterotrophs
- Heterotrophs are organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organic matter.
- They rely on consuming autotrophs or other heterotrophs to obtain the necessary organic molecules for energy.
- Examples include animals, fungi, and most bacteria.
Classification of organism on the basis of Carbon Utilization
Photoautotrophs
- Photoautotrophs are autotrophs that use sunlight as a source of energy for photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide into organic molecules.
- Examples include plants, algae, and some bacteria.
Chemoautotrophs
- Chemoautotrophs are autotrophs that use energy obtained from chemical reactions, such as oxidizing inorganic compounds, to produce organic molecules.
- Examples include certain bacteria and archaea found in extreme environments like hydrothermal vents.
Photoheterotrophs
- Photoheterotrophs are organisms that obtain energy from sunlight but rely on organic compounds as a source of carbon.
- They combine photosynthesis with the uptake of organic molecules from their environment.
- Examples include some bacteria and protists.
Chemoheterotrophs
- Chemoheterotrophs obtain both energy and carbon from consuming organic compounds produced by other organisms.
- Examples include animals, fungi, most bacteria, and many protists.