Heterotroph Collection

Drepanaspis is a jawless fish from the Early Devonian of Germany
Drepanaspis gemuendenensis is a jawless fish from the Early Devonian of Germany

A pair of hyperiid amphipod, Southern Ocean, Antarctica
A pair of hyperiid amphipod (Hyperia macrocephala), Southern Ocean, Antarctica

Drepanaspis gemuendenensis, an extinct primitive jawless fish from the Devonian Period
Drepanaspis gemuendenensis is an extinct primitive jawless fish from the Devonian Period

A Late Devonian Ichthyostega emerges from waters of a floodplain 365 million years ago in what is today the Canadian Arctic

Bothriolepis is an extinct placoderm from the Late Devonian of Canada
Bothriolepis canadensis is an extinct placoderm from the Late Devonian of Canada

Drepanaspis is an extinct species of primitive jawless fish from the Devonian Period

An armored Bothriolepis glides along the bottom of a flooded plain
A 12-inch long armored Bothriolepis glides along the bottom of a flooded plain 380 million years ago during the Late Devonian

Several Bothriolepis emerge from a shallow tributary onto dry land 380 million years ago during the Late Devonian. Bothriolepis is believed to have been primarily an aquatic creature

Bothriolepis, a freshwater detritivore from the Devonian Period
Bothriolepis, a freshwater detritivore (bottom feeder) which lived in the Devonian Period

Bothriolepis, a freshwater bottom feeder from the Devonian Period
Bothriolepis, a freshwater bottom feeder found in rivers and lakes in the Devonian Period

Drepanaspis jawless fish from the Devonian Period
Drepanaspis is an extinct primitive jawless fish in the Devonian Period of Germany

A Drepanaspis on the bottom of a shallow Devonian sea
An 8-inch-long primitive jawless fish of the species Drepanaspis gemuendenensis settles on the bottom of a shallow Devonian sea 380 million years ago

A close-up of a three foot long Ichthyostega from the Late Devonian Period 365 million years ago in what is today the Canadian Arctic

Carbon fixation, artwork C017 / 7207
Carbon fixation. Computer artwork showing the main systems involved in carbon fixation in a typical countryside habitat. Carbon capture (fixation) consists of the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2)

Carbon fixation, artwork C017 / 7208
Carbon fixation. Computer artwork showing how carbon fixation occurs in a typical countryside habitat. Carbon capture (fixation) consists of the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2)

Carbon fixation, artwork C017 / 7205
Carbon fixation. Computer artwork showing the main systems involved in carbon fixation in a typical countryside habitat. Carbon capture (fixation) consists of the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2)

Carbon fixation, artwork C017 / 7206
Carbon fixation. Computer artwork showing how carbon fixation occurs in a typical countryside habitat. Carbon capture (fixation) consists of the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2)

Pinedrops (Pterospora andromedea) close-up of flowers, growing in pine woodland, Oregon, U. S. A. july
Pinedrops (Pterospora andromedea) close-up of flowers, growing in pine woodland, Oregon, U.S.A. july

Mouldy bread roll. Mould fungus (Penicillium sp.) on a bread roll. The white areas are mycelia, a mass of thread-like structures (hyphae) which absorb nutrients

Pinedrops - a saprophyte or myco-heterotrophs, found in pine woodlands, Oregon
ROG-12980 Pinedrops - a saprophyte or myco-heterotrophs, found in pine woodlands Oregon, USA Pterospora andromedea Bob Gibbons Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only

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"Heterotrophs: Ancient Predators and Bottom Feeders of the Devonian Period" Drepanaspis, a jawless fish from the Early Devonian of Germany, was one of the fascinating heterotrophs that roamed ancient seas. With its primitive features, Drepanaspis gemuendenensis emerged as an extinct species during this period. In the Southern Ocean of Antarctica, a pair of hyperiid amphipods thrived as efficient heterotrophs. These small creatures played a vital role in maintaining ecological balance in their icy habitat. As waters receded on floodplains during Late Devonian times, Ichthyostega made its appearance. This remarkable creature marked the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life and became an iconic symbol for early tetrapods. Bothriolepis, an extinct placoderm from Canada's Late Devonian era, possessed armored plates that allowed it to glide along flooded plains. Several Bothriolepis even ventured onto dry land through shallow tributaries - a testament to their adaptability. Freshwater detritivores were abundant during this time too; Bothriolepis served as one such example. Feeding at the bottom of rivers and lakes, they played crucial roles in nutrient cycling within these ecosystems. Meanwhile, Drepanaspis continued to thrive on the seafloor with its unique adaptations for survival. Its presence in shallow Devonian seas showcases how diverse heterotrophic life was during this period. The story of these ancient heterotrophs reminds us of Earth's rich history and highlights nature's ability to evolve and adapt over millions of years. Studying these organisms provides valuable insights into our planet's past and helps us understand our own place within it.