Final answer:
Plants produce their own energy through photosynthesis, animals consume other organisms for energy, and fungi absorb nutrients from decomposing organic matter or other organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sources of energy for plants, animals, and fungi differ significantly due to their distinct metabolic processes. Plants are autotrophs, which means they produce their own energy through the process of photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. On the other hand, animals are heterotrophs that must consume other organisms to obtain energy and nutrients. They eat plants and other animals. Similarly, fungi are heterotrophs that obtain nutrition by absorbing nutrients from other organisms, often decomposing organic matter, by secreting exoenzymes that break down complex molecules outside their cells and then absorbing the simpler nutrients that result from this external digestion.
Energy sources for plants, animals, and fungi are dictated by their distinct metabolic processes. Plants, being autotrophs, generate their energy through photosynthesis, a process where sunlight is harnessed to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This allows plants to produce their own food.
In contrast, animals are heterotrophs, relying on the consumption of other organisms for energy and nutrients. They obtain energy by consuming plants or other animals, participating in various trophic levels within ecological systems.
Similarly, fungi are also heterotrophs, deriving nutrition through external digestion. They secrete exoenzymes that break down complex organic molecules in the environment. Following this external digestion, fungi absorb the simpler nutrients, often engaging in roles like decomposing organic matter.
These diverse energy acquisition strategies highlight the adaptability of living organisms to their ecological niches and the varied ways they sustain themselves within ecosystems.