What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
heterotroph
Example
Humans are heterotrophs because we cannot produce our own food. [heterotroph: noun]
Example
The fungus is a heterotrophic organism that feeds on decaying organic matter. [heterotrophic: adjective]
predator
Example
The lion is a predator that hunts gazelles for food. [predator: noun]
Example
The spider is a predatory arachnid that catches insects in its web. [predatory: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Predator is a more commonly used term than heterotroph in everyday language, especially in discussions of animal behavior and ecology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between heterotroph and predator?
Both heterotroph and predator are scientific terms and are appropriate for use in formal contexts, such as academic writing or scientific research.
