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Multiple Choice
Which characteristic of life is shared by both a mushroom and a gecko, but not by a tree?
A
Having cell walls made of cellulose
B
Ability to move from place to place (locomotion)
C
Obtaining energy by consuming other organisms (heterotrophy)
D
Performing photosynthesis to produce food
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of heterotrophy: Heterotrophy refers to the ability of an organism to obtain energy by consuming other organisms, rather than producing its own food through processes like photosynthesis.
Identify the characteristics of the organisms mentioned: A mushroom and a gecko are both heterotrophs, meaning they rely on consuming other organisms for energy. A tree, on the other hand, is an autotroph, meaning it produces its own food through photosynthesis.
Analyze the options provided: The first option, 'Having cell walls made of cellulose,' applies to trees but not geckos or mushrooms. The second option, 'Ability to move from place to place (locomotion),' applies to geckos but not mushrooms or trees. The fourth option, 'Performing photosynthesis to produce food,' applies to trees but not geckos or mushrooms.
Focus on the correct answer: The third option, 'Obtaining energy by consuming other organisms (heterotrophy),' is the characteristic shared by both mushrooms and geckos, as they are heterotrophs, but not by trees, which are autotrophs.
Conclude the reasoning: The shared characteristic between a mushroom and a gecko, but not a tree, is their heterotrophic nature, which involves obtaining energy by consuming other organisms.