Which term describes organisms that derive energy from chemical sources rather than light?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Prepare for the GMAS Biology Test with multiple choice questions, detailed explanations, and innovative study techniques to excel. Boost your confidence and get ready for success!

Multiple Choice

Which term describes organisms that derive energy from chemical sources rather than light?

Explanation:
Organisms that obtain energy from chemical reactions rather than from light are chemoautotrophs. They extract energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules (like hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, or ammonia) and use that energy to fix carbon dioxide into organic matter, building their biomass without relying on preformed organic carbon. This differs from photoautotrophs, which use light energy to power photosynthesis and also fix CO2, and from heterotrophs, which obtain carbon from organic compounds rather than fixing CO2 themselves. Habitat is just a location descriptor, not about how energy is obtained.

Organisms that obtain energy from chemical reactions rather than from light are chemoautotrophs. They extract energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules (like hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, or ammonia) and use that energy to fix carbon dioxide into organic matter, building their biomass without relying on preformed organic carbon. This differs from photoautotrophs, which use light energy to power photosynthesis and also fix CO2, and from heterotrophs, which obtain carbon from organic compounds rather than fixing CO2 themselves. Habitat is just a location descriptor, not about how energy is obtained.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy