An autotrophic organism is best described as an organism that:

• A. obtains energy by consuming other organisms
• B. produces its own food from inorganic substances
• C. cannot survive in the presence of oxygen
• D. relies solely on chemosynthesis for energy

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'autotrophic organism': Autotrophs are organisms that produce their own food using inorganic substances, typically through processes like photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. They do not rely on consuming other organisms for energy.
2. Analyze the first option: 'obtains energy by consuming other organisms.' This describes heterotrophic organisms, not autotrophs. Autotrophs do not consume other organisms for energy.
3. Evaluate the second option: 'produces its own food from inorganic substances.' This aligns with the definition of autotrophs, as they use inorganic substances like carbon dioxide and water to synthesize food, often with the help of sunlight or chemical energy.
4. Examine the third option: 'cannot survive in the presence of oxygen.' This is unrelated to the definition of autotrophs. Oxygen tolerance varies among autotrophs; some are aerobic, while others are anaerobic.
5. Consider the fourth option: 'relies solely on chemosynthesis for energy.' While some autotrophs use chemosynthesis, many rely on photosynthesis. This option is too restrictive to describe all autotrophic organisms.