Autotrophic organisms require an energy source to synthesize organic molecules. Autotrophic organisms that use light as an energy source to synthesize organic molecules. Examples are photosynthetic organisms such as plants, algae and some prokaryotes. Unique to some bacteria, this is a rarer form of autotrophic nutrition. Heterotrophs are also known as consumers .
Examples are animals that eat plants or other animals.
Examples also include decomposers , heterotrophs that decompose and feed on organic litter. Most fungi and many bacteria are decomposers.