Which mode of nutrition characteristic distinguishes animals from other eukaryotes?

Define 'heterotrophic': Animals are heterotrophic, meaning they obtain their food by consuming other organisms. They cannot produce their own food like plants do.

Contrast 'heterotrophic' with other modes: Autotrophic organisms, like plants, produce their own food through photosynthesis. Chemosynthetic organisms obtain energy from chemical reactions, often in environments without sunlight. Saprophytic organisms, like fungi, decompose organic matter for nutrients.