Question

Which of these is a heterotroph?

Multiple Choice

• a phytoplanktonic diatom

• a moss plant

• an oak tree

• a corn plant

• a fish

Answer 1

In the given options some are heterotrophs and some are not the organisms that are heterotrohs are

1)phytoplanktonic diatom:Diatoms are mainly photosynthetic but some are obligate heterotrophs and can live in the absence of light provided an appropriate organic carbon source is available.

2)moss plant: mosses belong to the division bryophyta consequently the sporophyte of the moss is heterotrophic and parasitic during gametophytic phase

3)oak tree: The oak tree is an 'autotroph'makes its own food from chemical or light energies

4)corn plant: heterotroph depend either directly or indirectly on autotrophs for nutrients and food energy.for eg raccons might consume corn planted in a field,or they might catch and eat rodents that rely on corn as a food source

5)fish: heterotrophs are organisms which cant make their own food ,so that it has to depend on others for food and other things. the fish also comes under heterotroph because it depend on plants and other creatures for food.