Fuel for life

Question 1

What does autotrophic mean?

Answer 1

Autotrophic - self feeding organisms through the process of photosynthesis

Question 2

What does heterotrophic mean?

Answer 2

Heterotrophic - organisms that depend on nutrition externally, from autotrophics

Question 3

Examples of heterotrophs

Answer 3

Parasites e.g tapeworms
Saprophytes e.g fungi and bateria
Carnivores e.g humans and lions

Question 4

Describe chemotrophic organisms

Answer 4

Chemotrophs are a class of organisms that obtain their energy through the oxidation of inorganic molecules

Question 5

What is the difference between chemoautotrophs and chemoheterotrophs?

Answer 5

1. Chemoautotrophs produce their own food. Produce organic molecules through the fixation of carbon dioxide
2. Chemoheterotrophs do not produce their own food, ingest molecules synthesised by other organisms

Question 6

Describe mixotrophic organisms, what does it mean when one is obligate or facultative?

Answer 6

1. Mixotrophic organisms combine autotrophy and heterotrophy
2. Obligate mixotrophy - must utilise both heterotrophic and autotrophic nutrition to support growth
3. Facultative mixotrophy - Mixotrophic only when necessary

Question 7

What are parasites?

Answer 7

1. Parasites are organisms that utilise another organism for nourishment and growth

Question 8

What is the difference between ectoparasites and endoparasites? Give examples of both

Answer 8

1. Endoparasites live inside the organism e.g Tapeworms
2. Ectoparasites live outside the organism e.g fleas

Question 9

What are the three different types of symbiosis?

Answer 9

1. Mutualism (+/+)
2. Commensalism (+/0)
3. Parasitism (+/-)

Question 10

What are flea mouthparts specialised for?

Answer 10

1. Piercing and sucking
2. Salivery pump injects saliva into the wound
3. cibarial and pharyngeal pumps suck up the blood meal