Science — AI-generated practice question

Autotrophic Nutrition: Organisms that prepare their own food from simple inorganic substances like CO₂ and water using sunlight and chlorophyll are called autotrophs. This process is called photosynthesis.
Example: Green plants.

Heterotrophic Nutrition: Organisms that cannot make their own food and depend directly or indirectly on autotrophs for complex organic substances are called heterotrophs. These substances are broken down by enzymes inside the body.
Example: Animals and fungi (e.g., mushrooms).

| Basis | Autotrophic | Heterotrophic |
|---|---|---|
| Food source | Inorganic (CO₂, water) | Organic (other organisms) |
| Dependency | Self-sufficient | Depends on autotrophs |

Source: Life Processes, Section 5.2 Nutrition

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• Examiners expect a clear definition of both terms with the key difference highlighted — inorganic vs. organic food source.
• Mention one example each as the question specifically asks for it.
• A small comparison table is optional but earns full marks neatly for a 3-mark question; alternatively, two short paragraphs work equally well.
• Key terms to use: inorganic substances, chlorophyll, photosynthesis, enzymes, bio-catalysts.
• Do not write a long essay — 3 marks = ~3 distinct scorable points (definition of autotrophic + definition of heterotrophic + examples).