Examples of heterotropic animals include:
- Amphipods: These crustaceans may transition between swimming, clinging, and burrowing forms as they move through different stages of their life cycle, occupying distinct habitats within their aquatic environments.
- Frogs and toads: Amphibian species start as aquatic larvae (tadpoles) with specialized breathing and feeding structures. As they metamorphose into adults, their body plan changes to suit a terrestrial lifestyle, with the development of limbs and lungs.
- Eels: Eels undergo significant transformations as they move from their larval stage in open waters to their adult phase, where they inhabit freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, or lakes.
- Jellyfish: Many jellyfish species exist as polyps during their early life stages, attached to surfaces and exhibiting a more plant-like appearance. They later develop into the medusa form, with a free-swimming and umbrella-shaped body, allowing for better dispersion and predation.
- Barnacles: Barnacles start as planktonic larvae, capable of swimming and exploring the water column. As they settle and attach to a surface, they develop a hard shell and become sessile filter-feeders.
The significance of heterotropism lies in its adaptive advantage. By possessing different forms or stages throughout their life cycle, these animals can exploit diverse resources, avoid competition, and reduce predation risks. This flexible strategy ensures their survival and ecological success in changing environments.