What are the differences between autotrophic nutrition and heterotrophic nutrition?

Autotrophic Nutrition:

  • Organisms produce their own food using light (photosynthesis) or chemical energy (chemosynthesis).
  • Examples: Plants, algae, and some bacteria.
  • Requires: Carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight (for photosynthesis).

Heterotrophic Nutrition:

  • Organisms obtain food by consuming other organisms or organic matter.
  • Examples: Animals, fungi, and most bacteria.
  • Requires: Preformed organic molecules for energy and growth.

MCQs Based on the above question

Question 1: Which of the following statements best describes autotrophic nutrition?
A) Organisms produce their own food using light or chemical energy.
B) Organisms obtain food by consuming other organisms.
C) Organisms require preformed organic molecules for energy and growth.
D) Organisms produce their own food using only organic matter.

Answer: A) Organisms produce their own food using light or chemical energy.


Question 2: What is required for autotrophic organisms to perform photosynthesis?
A) Organic molecules and sunlight
B) Carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight
C) Preformed organic molecules
D) Chemical energy and organic matter

Answer: B) Carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight


Question 3: Which of the following is an example of a heterotrophic organism?
A) Algae
B) Plants
C) Fungi
D) Some bacteria that perform chemosynthesis

Answer: C) Fungi


Question 4: How do heterotrophic organisms obtain their food?
A) By producing their own food using light
B) By consuming other organisms or organic matter
C) By using sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into food
D) By producing food using chemical energy from inorganic substances

Answer: B) By consuming other organisms or organic matter