Which of These Groups Represents Organisms That are Heterotrophs

Question

Which of these groups represents organisms that are heterotrophs?
A) microorganisms that harness solar energy, converting it to chemical energy
B) non-photosynthesizing bacteria, fungi, earthworms
C) all organisms that developed after photosynthesis
D) photosynthesizing bacteria, algae, ferns, pine trees

Accepted Answer

Heterotrophs are organisms that obtain their energy by consuming other organisms or organic matter. Non-photosynthesizing bacteria, fungi, and earthworms are examples of heterotrophic organisms. Option A refers to photoautotrophs, which are organisms that can produce their own food using the energy from sunlight. Option C is incorrect because there were heterotrophic organisms present before the evolution of photosynthesis. Option D is incorrect because photosynthesizing organisms, such as algae and pine trees, are autotrophs and do not rely on consuming other organisms for energy.