An organism that consumes other organisms for energy is termed a heterotroph. Heterotrophs are unable to produce their own food and must obtain energy by consuming organic matter, which can include plants, animals, and fungi. This term encompasses a wide variety of life forms, including herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores. In ecosystem dynamics, heterotrophs play a crucial role by transferring energy from consumed organisms, thus maintaining the balance of food webs and contributing to nutrient cycling within their environments.