Which type of organisms are heterotrophs?

Heterotrophs are defined as organisms that cannot produce their own food and instead obtain organic compounds by consuming other living or previously living organisms. This process involves acquiring organic molecules from their environment, which distinguishes heterotrophs from autotrophs—organisms that do produce their own nutrients, typically through processes like photosynthesis.

The correct choice correctly identifies that heterotrophs obtain their nutrients from external sources rather than synthesizing them themselves. For example, animals, fungi, and many microorganisms fall into the category of heterotrophs as they rely on organic matter for energy and growth.

The other options describe processes or characteristics associated with autotrophs. Photosynthesis is a defining trait of autotrophic organisms, which convert sunlight into energy and produce their own food. The reference to synthesizing one’s own nutrients aligns with the capabilities of autotrophs as well. Lastly, the description of "only plants that consume soil nutrients" is misleading, as it does not encompass the broad range of heterotrophic organisms, which include many fungi and animals, and inaccurately suggests a limited group of organisms. Thus, the understanding of heterotrophs as those acquiring organic molecules from the environment encapsulates the defining feature of this classification.