| Points of Comparison | Heterotrophs | Autotrophs |
| Definition | These are the organisms who are not able to prepare food on their own and depend on others for it. | These organisms make their food on their own with the help of sunlight, air and water. |
| Presence of Chloroplast | Chloroplast absent | Autotrophs contain chloroplast. |
| Energy Source | Heterotrophs derive their food directly or indirectly from other organisms. | They derive food from inorganic sources like- sunlight, water etc. |
| Types of organisms | Photoheterotroph and Chemoheterotroph | Photoautotroph and Chemoautotroph
|
| Energy Storage | They are not able to store energy. Not capable of storing energy | They store chemical energy. |
| Dependency | Rely on other organisms for food | Independent |
| Role | Consumers | Producers |
| Food chain level | Secondary or tertiary level | Primary producer |
| Movement | They are capable to move from one place to another for food | Cannot move from one place to another |
| Example | Animals such as elephants, cats, horses, cats, cows, dogs, etc. | Green plants, algae and some bacteria |