Final answer:
Protists capable of absorbing nutrients from dead organisms are called saprobes, and they help decompose and recycle nutrients within ecosystems. Additionally, some protists are mixotrophs that can switch between photosynthesis and heterotrophy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Protists with the capabilities to absorb nutrients from dead organisms are called saprobes. These organisms play a critical role as agents of decomposition in ecosystems by breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the environment. Some protists are also mixotrophs, which means they are capable of obtaining energy and carbon through a combination of photosynthesis (like autotrophs) and consuming or absorbing organic material (like heterotrophs), depending on the availability of sunlight or organic nutrients.
Protists with the capabilities to absorb nutrients from dead organisms are called saprobes. These organisms play a critical role as agents of decomposition in ecosystems by breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the environment. Some protists are also mixotrophs, which means they are capable of obtaining energy and carbon through a combination of photosynthesis (like autotrophs) and consuming or absorbing organic material (like heterotrophs), depending on the availability of sunlight or organic nutrients.