Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
The term autotroph refers to an organism that ________.
A
reproduces only through binary fission
B
produces its own food from inorganic substances
C
relies exclusively on oxygen for survival
D
obtains energy by consuming other organisms
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the term 'autotroph': An autotroph is an organism capable of producing its own food using inorganic substances, typically through processes like photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
Eliminate incorrect options: The first option, 'reproduces only through binary fission,' is unrelated to the definition of autotrophs, as this describes a method of reproduction, not energy acquisition.
Evaluate the second option: 'Produces its own food from inorganic substances' aligns with the definition of autotrophs, as they use inorganic molecules (e.g., carbon dioxide) to synthesize organic compounds.
Analyze the third option: 'Relies exclusively on oxygen for survival' is incorrect because not all autotrophs require oxygen; for example, some chemosynthetic autotrophs thrive in anaerobic environments.
Review the fourth option: 'Obtains energy by consuming other organisms' describes heterotrophs, not autotrophs, as heterotrophs depend on organic material from other organisms for energy.