A student wants to develop a model that categorizes various plants and animals as either heterotrophs or autotrophs. Which statement provides the BEST criteria for distinguishing which category the various organisms should be placed in within the model?

Question

A.
Autotrophs are multicellular organisms that reproduce sexually; heterotrophs are unicellular organisms that reproduce asexually.

B.
Heterotrophs need to consume other organisms in the food chain for sustenance; autotrophs can produce their own food from inorganic sources such as carbon dioxide.

C.
Heterotrophs are multicellular organisms that reproduce sexually; autotrophs are unicellular organisms that reproduce asexually.

D.
Heterotrophs can produce their own food from inorganic sources such as carbon dioxide; autotrophs need to consume other organisms in the food chain for sustenance.

Answer 1

The statement that provides the BEST criteria for distinguishing which category the various organisms should be placed in is:

B. Heterotrophs need to consume other organisms in the food chain for sustenance; autotrophs can produce their own food from inorganic sources such as carbon dioxide.

This is because the definitions of heterotrophs and autotrophs are primarily based on how they obtain their energy and nutrients. Heterotrophs rely on consuming other organisms, while autotrophs are capable of producing their own food through processes like photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. The other options provide inaccurate or irrelevant distinctions that do not correctly differentiate the two categories.