Question

Protists can be autotrophic or heterotrophic. What do these mean?

A. Autotrophic means they can produce their own food, while heterotrophic means they consume other organisms for food.
B. Autotrophic means they rely on other organisms for food, while heterotrophic means they can produce their own food.
C. Autotrophic means they only eat plants, while heterotrophic means they only eat animals.
D. Autotrophic means they are parasitic, while heterotrophic means they are symbiotic.

Answer 1

Protists that are autotrophic produce their own food through photosynthesis, while heterotrophic protists consume other organisms for food.

Step-by-step explanation:

Protists can indeed be either autotrophic or heterotrophic. Autotrophic organisms are able to produce their own food using inorganic raw materials like carbon dioxide and water, typically through the process of photosynthesis. This method involves harnessing sunlight to transform these substances into carbohydrates, which serve as their energy source.

Examples include green plants, some bacteria, and algae. In contrast, heterotrophic organisms cannot manufacture their own food and must obtain energy and carbon by consuming other organisms. They derive their energy from the food produced by autotrophs through a food chain. This includes all animals and fungi, as well as many protists and bacteria.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: A. Autotrophic means they can produce their own food, while heterotrophic means they consume other organisms for food.