| Autotrophic nutrition | Heterotrophic nutrition |
| (i) Food is synthesised from simple inorganic raw materials such as CO2 and water. | (i) Food is obtained directly or indirectly from autotrophs. This food is broken down with the help of enzymes. |
| (ii) Presence of green pigment (chlorophyll) is necessary | (ii) No pigment is required in this type of nutrition. |
| (iii)Food is generally prepared during day time. | (iii) Food can be prepared at all times |
| (iv) All green plants and some bacteria have this type of nutrition. | (iv) All animals and fungi have this type of nutrition. |
