Match the numbered terms to the descriptions that follow. For each item, choose all appropriate terms, but only appropriate terms.
1. autotroph
2. heterotroph
3. phototroph
4. chemotroph
-a prokaryote that obtains both energy and carbon as it decomposes dead organisms
A)1 only
B)4 only
C)1 and 3
D)2 and 4
E)1, 3, and 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Heterotrophs obtain their carbon from organic compounds (like dead organisms) and their energy from other sources like light (phototrophs) or chemicals (chemotrophs). Therefore, a prokaryote that obtains both energy and carbon as it decomposes dead organisms is a type of heterotroph (option 2), and specifically a chemotroph (option 4). Autotrophs (option 1) obtain carbon from inorganic sources like CO2 and can get energy from sunlight (phototrophs) or chemicals (chemotrophs), but they don't rely on decomposing dead organisms for carbon. Option 3 (phototroph only) doesn't capture the fact that the organism is decomposing dead organisms for its carbon source.

Match the Numbered Terms to the Descriptions That Follow