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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the nutritional mode of fungi?
A
Fungi are autotrophs that produce their own food through photosynthesis.
B
Fungi are mixotrophs that can switch between autotrophy and heterotrophy.
C
Fungi are heterotrophs that obtain nutrients by absorbing organic matter.
D
Fungi are photoautotrophs that use light energy to synthesize organic compounds.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the term 'nutritional mode' which refers to how an organism obtains energy and nutrients to sustain life.
Review the definition of autotrophs: organisms that produce their own food, typically through photosynthesis (e.g., plants). Fungi do not perform photosynthesis, so they are not autotrophs.
Examine the concept of mixotrophs: organisms that can switch between autotrophy and heterotrophy depending on environmental conditions. Fungi do not exhibit this behavior, so they are not mixotrophs.
Consider photoautotrophs: organisms that use light energy to synthesize organic compounds (e.g., cyanobacteria). Fungi do not use light energy for food production, so they are not photoautotrophs.
Understand that fungi are heterotrophs, meaning they obtain nutrients by absorbing organic matter from their environment. They secrete enzymes to break down complex organic substances into simpler molecules that can be absorbed.