Which term describes organisms that obtain energy from dead material?

Which term describes organisms that obtain energy from dead material?

• A. Saprophytic
• B. Producer
• C. Predator
• D. Prey

Answer: (A)

Organisms that obtain energy from dead material are saprophytes. They feed by secreting enzymes to break down dead organic matter outside their bodies and then absorb the soluble nutrients. This makes them decomposers, essential for recycling nutrients in ecosystems. They derive energy from detritus rather than from living prey or from photosynthesis. Producers gain energy by converting light or inorganic compounds into organic matter; predators rely on catching living prey, and prey are the organisms that are eaten. So the trait of obtaining energy from dead material uniquely describes saprophytic organisms.

Organisms that obtain energy from dead material are saprophytes. They feed by secreting enzymes to break down dead organic matter outside their bodies and then absorb the soluble nutrients. This makes them decomposers, essential for recycling nutrients in ecosystems. They derive energy from detritus rather than from living prey or from photosynthesis. Producers gain energy by converting light or inorganic compounds into organic matter; predators rely on catching living prey, and prey are the organisms that are eaten. So the trait of obtaining energy from dead material uniquely describes saprophytic organisms.