Question

The diagram given shows three microorganisms.
Which of these statements about them is true?

• A. P, Q and R are able to move about.
• B. P, Q and R are able to synthesise their own food.
• C. P, Q and R are unicellular organisms.
• D. P and Q are autotrophs and R is a heterotroph.

Answer 1

The correct option is D P and Q are autotrophs and R is a heterotroph.

• P represents Chlamydomonas (genus of green algae) and Q represents Euglena (genus of photosynthetic Protista), both are unicellular and possess chlorophyll and thus able to produce their own food and hence called as autotrophs.
• Whereas R represents Rhizopus (genus of fungi), a multicellular organism that does not possess chlorophyll and hence not able to prepare its food and derives energy from other organic matter. It possesses a saprophytic mode of nutrition.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.