What defines heterotrophs in the biological context?

Heterotrophs are defined by their ability to obtain energy by consuming other organisms. Unlike autotrophs, which can produce their own food through processes like photosynthesis, heterotrophs rely on the organic compounds produced by other living entities. This includes animals that consume plants or smaller animals, as well as decomposers that break down dead organic matter. The distinction is crucial in ecology, as it highlights the varying roles organisms play within food webs and energy transfer in ecosystems.

In contrast, the other options focus on different nutritional strategies: the first describes autotrophs, which produce food from sunlight; the second refers to organisms that might absorb nutrients but does not specifically capture the essence of what defines heterotrophs; and the fourth indicates a relationship that may involve both autotrophs and heterotrophs but does not specifically define heterotrophic behavior. Understanding this distinction is essential for studying ecological interactions and energy flow in biological communities.