Which of the following terms encompasses all the others? 

• A. Primary consumers.
• B. Herbivores.
• C. Carnivores.
• D. Heterotrophs.
• E. Decomposers.
• F. Secondary consumers.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of each term: Heterotrophs, Primary consumers, Herbivores, Carnivores, Decomposers, and Secondary consumers.
2. Heterotrophs are organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on consuming other organisms for energy and nutrients.
3. Primary consumers are heterotrophs that feed directly on producers (plants). Herbivores are a type of primary consumer.
4. Carnivores are heterotrophs that consume other animals. Secondary consumers are typically carnivores or omnivores that eat primary consumers.
5. Decomposers are heterotrophs that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. All these groups fall under the category of heterotrophs, as they all rely on other organisms for energy.