Final answer:
The correct answer to the question is option c) CO₂ and water; glucose and O₂; solar energy. This choice reflects the relationship between autotrophs using CO₂ and water for photosynthesis, heterotrophs consuming glucose and O₂ for energy, and solar energy being the ultimate source of energy for these processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Autotrophs and heterotrophs are distinct in how they acquire carbon and energy. Autotrophs, like plants and cyanobacteria, are capable of converting inorganic carbon dioxide (CO₂) into organic carbon compounds and are thus self-sustaining. They utilize photosynthesis to transform sunlight into chemical energy in the form of carbohydrates, such as glucose. Heterotrophs, which include animals and some prokaryotes, rely on consuming these organic compounds to satisfy their energy needs. The question is asking which substances serve as substrates for plants and animals, and what the primary source of energy is. The answer is option c) CO₂ and water; glucose and O₂; solar energy. CO₂ and water are substrates for plants that perform photosynthesis to produce glucose and oxygen. Animals rely on glucose and oxygen as substrates to obtain energy through cellular respiration. Finally, solar energy is the fundamental source of energy for life on Earth as it drives photosynthesis, which in turn fuels life processes.
To clarify, CO₂ and water are utilized by autotrophs in the process of photosynthesis to create glucose, which is then used as a food source. The oxygen produced is a byproduct that animals (heterotrophs) require for aerobic respiration to break down glucose, thereby releasing energy in the form of ATP. This cyclical exchange is an essential component of the carbon cycle, which connects all living organisms. Without the process of photosynthesis utilizing solar energy, life as we know it would be unable to sustain itself.