How do fungi differ from plants in terms of their nutritional mode?

• A. Fungi are heterotrophic, while plants are autotrophic.
• B. Both fungi and plants are autotrophic.
• C. Fungi are autotrophic, while plants are heterotrophic.
• D. Both fungi and plants are heterotrophic.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food using light, water, carbon dioxide, or other chemicals. Plants are typically autotrophic because they use photosynthesis to convert light energy into chemical energy.
2. Recognize that heterotrophic organisms cannot produce their own food and must obtain it by consuming other organisms or organic matter. Fungi are heterotrophic because they absorb nutrients from organic material in their environment.
3. Compare the nutritional modes of fungi and plants. Fungi obtain nutrients by decomposing organic matter, whereas plants synthesize their own food through photosynthesis.
4. Consider the ecological roles of fungi and plants. Fungi often act as decomposers, breaking down dead organic material, while plants are primary producers, forming the base of the food chain by producing organic compounds from inorganic substances.
5. Conclude that fungi are heterotrophic and plants are autotrophic, which is the key difference in their nutritional modes.