What is another word for nonphotosynthetic?
Pronunciation: [nˌɒnfˌə͡ʊtə͡ʊsɪnθˈɛtɪk] (IPA) 
Nonphotosynthetic is a term used to describe organisms that cannot produce their own food through photosynthesis. Some synonyms for nonphotosynthetic include heterotrophic, apochlorotic, and chemotrophic. Heterotrophic organisms obtain their energy and nutrients from consuming other organisms, while apochlorotic organisms lack chlorophyll and therefore cannot undergo photosynthesis. Chemotrophic organisms obtain energy through chemical reactions instead of photosynthesis. Some other related terms include autotrophic (able to produce their own food through photosynthesis) and mixotrophic (able to obtain energy through both photosynthesis and consuming other organisms). Understanding these terms is important in fields such as ecology, microbiology, and agriculture.
