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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains how consumers obtain energy originally derived from the sun?
A
By eating producers that have converted solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis
B
By performing photosynthesis to produce glucose from sunlight
C
By using chemosynthesis to convert inorganic molecules into energy
D
By directly absorbing sunlight and converting it into ATP
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of producers in the ecosystem: Producers, such as plants, algae, and some bacteria, are capable of photosynthesis. They convert solar energy into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules.
Recognize that consumers cannot perform photosynthesis: Consumers, such as animals and humans, lack the cellular machinery (e.g., chloroplasts) required for photosynthesis. Therefore, they must obtain energy indirectly.
Identify how consumers obtain energy: Consumers eat producers (or other consumers that have eaten producers) to access the chemical energy stored in the producers' biomass.
Eliminate incorrect options: Consumers do not perform photosynthesis, use chemosynthesis, or directly absorb sunlight to produce ATP. These processes are specific to producers or certain specialized organisms.
Conclude that the correct explanation is: Consumers obtain energy originally derived from the sun by eating producers that have converted solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.