Question

Which of the following statements is a correct distinction between autotrophs and heterotrophs?

• A. Only heterotrophs need to acquire chemical compounds from the environment
• B. Cellular respiration is unique to heterotrophs
• C. Only heterotrophs have mitochondria
• D. Autotrophs, but not heterotrophs, can nourish themselves beginning with nutrients that are entirely inorganic

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Autotrophs, but not heterotrophs, can nourish themselves beginning with nutrients that are entirely inorganic

An autotroph is an organism that is able to form nutritional organic substances from simple inorganic substances such as carbon dioxide. On the other hand, a heterotroph is an organism that cannot manufacture its own food by carbon fixation and therefore derives its intake of nutrition from other sources of organic carbon, mainly plant or animal matter. In the food chain, heterotrophs are secondary and tertiary consumers.

So, the correct option is, 'Autotrophs, but not heterotrophs, can nourish themselves beginning with nutrients that are entirely inorganic'.