heterotrophic

The definition of heterotrophic is organisms that require organic compounds for nourishment and cannot survive on inorganic matter.

(adjective)

Humans who require organic compounds produced by plants in order to get necessary nourishment are an example of heterotrophic.

See heterotrophic in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

obtaining food from organic material only; unable to use inorganic matter to form proteins and carbohydrates

Origin: hetero- + trophic

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