It is often used to indicate a difference or diversity, particularly in relation to:
* Origin: For example, "heterogeneous" describes something composed of different parts or elements.
* Nature: For example, "heterotrophic" describes organisms that obtain nutrients from other organisms.
* Sexual Orientation: For example, "heterosexual" describes individuals who are attracted to people of a different gender than themselves.
So, "hetero" essentially implies "different from" or "not the same".