<P> Respiration in heterotrophs is often accompanied by mineralization, the process of converting organic compounds to inorganic forms . When the organic nutrient source taken in by the heterotroph contains essential elements such as N, S, P in addition to C, H, and O, they are often removed first to proceed with the oxidation of organic nutrient and production of ATP via respiration . S and N in organic carbon source are transformed into H S and NH through desulfurylation and deamination, respectively . Heterotrophs also allow for dephosphorylation as part of decomposition . The conversion of N and S from organic form to inorganic form is a critical part of the nitrogen and sulfur cycle . H S formed from desulfurylation is further oxidized by lithotrophs and phototrophs while NH formed from deamination is further oxidized by lithotrophs to the forms available to plants . Heterotrophs' ability to mineralize essential elements is critical to plant survival . </P> <P> Most opisthokonts and prokaryotes are heterotrophic; in particular, all animals and fungi are heterotrophs . Some animals, such as corals, form symbiotic relationships with autotrophs and obtain organic carbon in this way . Furthermore, some parasitic plants have also turned fully or partially heterotrophic, while carnivorous plants consume animals to augment their nitrogen supply while remaining autotrophic . </P> <P> Animals are classified as heterotrophs by ingestion, fungi are classified as heterotrophs by absorption . </P>

What is the role of heterotrophs in an ecosystem