Question

58. What is a key difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs?

a. Autotrophs harvest energy directly from the environment.
b. Autotrophs do not require carbon.
c. Autotrophs mainly break down organic compounds.
d. Autotrophs harvest energy from decomposing organisms
e. Autotrophs are consumers.

Answer 1

Autotrophs harvest energy directly from the environment, while heterotrophs do not.

Step-by-step explanation:

A key difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs is that autotrophs harvest energy directly from the environment, while heterotrophs do not. Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food, usually through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, and they convert energy from sunlight or inorganic compounds into organic matter. Examples of autotrophs include plants and certain bacteria. On the other hand, heterotrophs are organisms that obtain their energy by consuming other organisms or organic material. They cannot produce their own food like autotrophs and rely on external sources for their energy.

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