With reference to the mode of nutrition in living organisms, consider the following statements: 1. Autotrophic nutrition is the mode where organisms take in food prepared by others. 2. Animals are classified as heterotrophs. 3. The term ‘heterotrophs’ refers to organisms that depend on others for nourishment. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only. Explanation Nutrition is the process by which living organisms obtain and utilize nutrients for energy, growth, and maintenance. Based on the source of food, the mode of nutrition is primarily classified into two types: Autotrophic and Heterotrophic. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Autotrophic nutrition is the mode wherein organisms synthesize their own organic food from simple inorganic substances like carbon dioxide and water, usually in the presence of sunlight (e.g., green plants). The mode where organisms take in food prepared by others is called heterotrophic nutrition. - Statement 2 is Correct. Animals cannot synthesize their own food because they lack chlorophyll and the necessary metabolic pathways for photosynthesis. Therefore, they depend on plants or other animals for their nutritional requirements and are classified as heterotrophs. - Statement 3 is Correct. The term ‘heterotroph’ is derived from the Greek words heteros (meaning 'other') and trophos (meaning 'nourishment'). It refers to organisms that depend on other organisms (producers or other consumers) for their food and energy needs. Key Takeaway: The fundamental distinction in nutrition lies between Autotrophs (producers who synthesize food) and Heterotrophs (consumers who ingest or absorb food prepared by others).

NCERT Class 7 Science — Chapter 1: Nutrition in plants

mcqeasy

With reference to the mode of nutrition in living organisms, consider the following statements:

Autotrophic nutrition is the mode where organisms take in food prepared by others.
Animals are classified as heterotrophs.
The term ‘heterotrophs’ refers to organisms that depend on others for nourishment.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Nutrition is the process by which living organisms obtain and utilize nutrients for energy, growth, and maintenance. Based on the source of food, the mode of nutrition is primarily classified into two types: Autotrophic and Heterotrophic.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Autotrophic nutrition is the mode wherein organisms synthesize their own organic food from simple inorganic substances like carbon dioxide and water, usually in the presence of sunlight (e.g., green plants). The mode where organisms take in food prepared by others is called heterotrophic nutrition.
Statement 2 is Correct. Animals cannot synthesize their own food because they lack chlorophyll and the necessary metabolic pathways for photosynthesis. Therefore, they depend on plants or other animals for their nutritional requirements and are classified as heterotrophs.
Statement 3 is Correct. The term ‘heterotroph’ is derived from the Greek words heteros (meaning 'other') and trophos (meaning 'nourishment'). It refers to organisms that depend on other organisms (producers or other consumers) for their food and energy needs.

Key Takeaway: The fundamental distinction in nutrition lies between Autotrophs (producers who synthesize food) and Heterotrophs (consumers who ingest or absorb food prepared by others).

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Nutrition in plants

With reference to the cell structure described in the text, consider the following statements: 1. The cell membrane encloses the cell and controls the movement of substances. 2. The nucleus is a jelly-like substance that fills the entire cell. 3. Cytoplasm is the hard outer covering found only in plant cells. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements about algae: 1. They are generally formed by the growth of organisms in stagnant water. 2. They appear green because they lack chlorophyll. 3. They are autotrophs and can prepare their own food. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding insectivorous plants like the Pitcher plant: 1. They trap insects primarily to obtain carbohydrates. 2. They contain chlorophyll and can perform photosynthesis. 3. The pitcher-like structure is a modified part of the leaf. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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With reference to saprotrophic nutrition, consider the following statements: 1. It is a mode of nutrition where organisms take in nutrients from dead and decaying matter. 2. Fungi ingest dead matter directly without secreting digestive juices. 3. All fungi are harmful and cause spoilage of food and diseases. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following pairs is correctly matched regarding the symbiotic relationship in Lichens?

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The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Autotrophic nutrition is the mode wherein organisms synthesize their own organic food from simple inorganic substances like carbon dioxide and water, usually in the presence of sunlight (e.g., green plants). The mode where organisms take in food prepared by others is called heterotrophic nutrition.
Statement 2 is Correct. Animals cannot synthesize their own food because they lack chlorophyll and the necessary metabolic pathways for photosynthesis. Therefore, they depend on plants or other animals for their nutritional requirements and are classified as heterotrophs.
Statement 3 is Correct. The term ‘heterotroph’ is derived from the Greek words heteros (meaning 'other') and trophos (meaning 'nourishment'). It refers to organisms that depend on other organisms (producers or other consumers) for their food and energy needs.

Key Takeaway: The fundamental distinction in nutrition lies between Autotrophs (producers who synthesize food) and Heterotrophs (consumers who ingest or absorb food prepared by others).