Answer:
A. Saprotrophs
Step-by-step explanation:
Saprotrophs are organisms that obtain their nutrients by feeding on dead and decaying matter. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by decomposing organic material and recycling nutrients back into the environment.
These organisms secrete enzymes that break down complex organic compounds into simpler substances, such as sugars and amino acids, which they can absorb and utilize for their own growth and energy needs. Examples of saprotrophs include fungi (such as mushrooms and molds) and certain bacteria.
Unlike autotrophs, which can produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, saprotrophs rely on external sources of organic matter for their nutrition. They actively decompose dead plants, animals, and other organic materials, aiding in the process of nutrient recycling and decomposition.
Heterotrophs, on the other hand, are a broader category of organisms that obtain their nutrients by consuming other living or dead organisms. This includes saprotrophs, as well as other types of organisms such as herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.
Parasites, meanwhile, are organisms that live in or on other organisms, known as hosts, and obtain their nutrients from the host while causing harm or damage to it. Unlike saprotrophs, parasites typically rely on a living host for their sustenance rather than feeding on dead and decaying matter.
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