Question

Which kind of organism would be most likely to perform photosynthesis?
A. Omnivore
B. Herbivore
C. Detritivore
D. Autotroph

Answer 1

Hint: Photosynthesis is the phenomenon by which an organism converts the light energy to biochemical energy which is used for food production. Autotrophs are the organisms which produce their own food by the processes like photosynthesis. Omnivores are organisms which can get their food from both animals and from plants as well. Herbivores are dependent on plants for their food while detritivores organisms obtain their food from detritus.

Complete answer:
Autotroph is an organism which produces complex compounds from simple substances, generally using sunlight and the process is called photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Autotrophic organisms do not need any living source of carbon and these are the producers in the food chain. Examples of autotrophs are algae and plants.
Autotrophs can reduce carbon dioxide by using it in making organic compounds for biosynthesis. Some autotrophs use hydrogen compounds as reducing agents but most of the autotrophs use water. Autotrophs use ATP to reduce NADP+ to NADPH to form organic compounds.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Additional information:
Heterotrophs cannot make their own food and they depend on other organisms – both plants and animals – for their nutrition. Herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores are all heterotrophs.
 Heterotrophs that depend on autotrophs and other heterotrophs to obtain energy are placed next to the autotrophs. Herbivores that feed on autotrophs are placed in the second trophic level. Carnivores are the organisms that eat meat and omnivores are the organisms that eat all types of organisms are placed next in the trophic level.

Note: Green algae are familiar as pond scum and these are photoautotroph. Green algae are identical to the cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are green bacteria which grow in mats and start the process of turning earth into a world with an oxygen atmosphere.