how do heterotrophs obtain energy

Heterotrophs obtain energy by consuming organic compounds produced by other organisms. They cannot perform photosynthesis or chemosynthesis to make their own food, so they rely on eating or absorbing ready-made organic matter (such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) from autotrophs or from other consumers. Their energy is released when these complex molecules are metabolized through cellular respiration, yielding ATP that powers cellular processes. This energy flow is a fundamental part of most food chains, with heterotrophs occupying various consumer levels (primary, secondary, and tertiary) depending on their place in the ecosystem.