Question

Protists with the capabilities to perform photosynthesis and to absorb nutrients from dead organisms are called ______________.

a. photoautotrophs

b. mixotrophs

c. saprobes

d. heterotrophs

Short answer

The correct answer is option b, that is, mixotrophs.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: Introduction

The group of unicellular organisms, which neither belong to prokaryotes nor eukaryotes is known as protists. They comprise unicellular animals and plants, which are devoid of tissues.

Explanation

The organisms which can produce their food by acquiring energy from the sunlight are known asphotoautotrophs. They exhibit chloroplast that permits them to produce their food. The organisms, which rely on other species for energy and food are known as heterotrophs, these organisms do not possess the tendency to generate their food.

The organisms, which function as decomposers by feeding on dead organisms and organic material are known assaprobes. They play an essential part in the ecosystem as they assist in dissociating down the dead organic substance and discharging it back into the environment.

Thus, the options a, c, and d are incorrect.

The protists, which possess the tendency to utilize amix of distinct energy sources and carbon, in place of having a single trophic mode, that is, they follow both autotrophy and heterotrophy are known as mixotrophs. These organisms possess the tendency to absorb nutrients from the dead organisms and perform photosynthesis.

Hence, the correct answer isoption b.