The type of organism that obtains its food by absorbing nutrients from other organisms is called a heterotroph. Unlike autotrophs, which produce their own food (e.g., through photosynthesis), heterotrophs rely on consuming organic substances for energy and growth. This category includes animals, fungi, and many bacteria. Heterotrophs can be further categorized into different groups based on their feeding strategies, such as herbivores, carnivores, and decomposers. By breaking down dead or decaying organic matter, decomposers play a vital role in nutrient cycling within ecosystems, ensuring the availability of nutrients for autotrophs and maintaining ecological balance.