Question

Organisms that consume preexisting organic molecules are called:

Select one:
a. Autotrophs
b. Animorphs
c. Heterotrophs
d. Plants
e. None of the above are correct

Answer 1

Organisms that consume preexisting organic molecules for energy and carbon are known as heterotrophs, which contrasts with autotrophs that produce their own food through processes like photosynthesis. Therefore, the correct option is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

Organisms that consume preexisting organic molecules are called heterotrophs. These organisms, which include animals, fungi, certain protists, and bacteria, rely on the intake of organic matter for energy and carbon, because they cannot produce their own food through photosynthesis. Heterotrophs can be further classified based on their dietary behaviors into herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and decomposers.

Autotrophs, on the other hand, are organisms capable of producing their own food from inorganic substances such as sunlight or chemical energy. Plants, algae, and some bacteria are autotrophs and they play a foundational role in ecosystems as producers.