Final answer:
Non-photosynthetic organisms rely on a transfer of free energy from other organisms, while photosynthetic organisms can produce their own energy through photosynthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Non-photosynthetic organisms rely on a transfer of free energy from other organisms. These organisms, known as heterotrophs, obtain their energy by consuming other living organisms or organic matter. For example, animals and fungi obtain their energy by feeding on plants or other animals.
Photosynthetic organisms, on the other hand, are autotrophs that can synthesize their own food using sunlight or inorganic molecules as an energy source. They are critical for most ecosystems as they occupy the producer trophic level, providing energy for other organisms.
In summary, non-photosynthetic organisms depend on a transfer of free energy from other organisms, while photosynthetic organisms can produce their own energy through photosynthesis.