Chemoheterotrophs are organisms that obtain their energy and carbon from organic compounds, relying on chemical processes to break down these substances for growth and metabolism. Unlike autotrophs, which can produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, chemoheterotrophs must consume other organisms or organic matter. This group includes most animals, fungi, and many bacteria, playing a crucial role in ecosystems by recycling nutrients. They can be further classified into saprotrophs, which feed on decaying organic matter, and predators, which consume living organisms.