This post will go through autotroph and heterotroph requirements in regard to nutrients and gases for Prelim Biology.
The Differences Between the Nutrient and Gas Requirements of Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
Recall that autotrophs are largely immobile organisms that can produce their own food (e.g. plants) while heterotrophs need to consume other organisms to get their nutrients (e.g. animals).
A big cause of different nutrient requirements has to do with the extent of movement, although plants will continuously grow, requiring more nutrients and gases on budding parts, animals are in constant motion and thus will require more energy and oxygen to fuel this movement.
This video will compare the requirements.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt6v-3JITIk
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