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Multiple Choice
Which of the following organisms is a heterotroph?
A
Grass
B
Cyanobacterium
C
Oak tree
D
Mushroom
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of heterotrophs: Heterotrophs are organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on consuming organic matter from other organisms for energy. This is in contrast to autotrophs, which can produce their own food through processes like photosynthesis.
Analyze the options provided: Grass, cyanobacterium, and oak tree are autotrophs because they can perform photosynthesis to produce their own food. Grass and oak trees are plants, and cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms.
Identify the characteristics of a mushroom: Mushrooms are fungi, and fungi are heterotrophs. They obtain nutrients by decomposing organic matter, breaking it down, and absorbing it. They do not perform photosynthesis.
Compare the mushroom to the other options: Unlike the autotrophs listed (grass, cyanobacterium, and oak tree), the mushroom relies on external organic material for energy, making it a heterotroph.
Conclude that the correct answer is mushroom because it fits the definition of a heterotroph, while the other options are autotrophs.