Compare and contrast the methods by which autotrophs and heterotrophs obtain essential minerals, giving an example of each. (3 marks)
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→ Autotrophs primarily obtain essential minerals directly from their environment, such as soil or water.
→ Heterotrophs mainly acquire minerals by consuming other organisms or their products, obtaining these nutrients that have already been accumulated and processed by their food sources.
→ This means autotrophs must invest energy in converting inorganic minerals into usable organic forms, whereas heterotrophs receive minerals that have already undergone this conversion.
→ For example, a plant (autotroph) absorbs nitrogen in the form of nitrates from the soil through its root system, while a lion (heterotroph) obtains nitrogen by consuming proteins in the meat of its prey.
→ Autotrophs primarily obtain essential minerals directly from their environment, such as soil or water.
→ Heterotrophs mainly acquire minerals by consuming other organisms or their products, obtaining these nutrients that have already been accumulated and processed by their food sources.
→ This means autotrophs must invest energy in converting inorganic minerals into usable organic forms, whereas heterotrophs receive minerals that have already undergone this conversion.
→ For example, a plant (autotroph) absorbs nitrogen in the form of nitrates from the soil through its root system, while a lion (heterotroph) obtains nitrogen by consuming proteins in the meat of its prey.