Natural Science CLEP Prep Practice Exam

Which of the following describes living organisms?

1. Non-living

2. Photosynthetic

3. Autotrophic

4. Heterotrophic

The correct answer is: Heterotrophic

Heterotrophic is the correct choice because it describes living organisms as organisms that obtain their energy by consuming organic matter or other living organisms. Option A, Non-living, is incorrect because living organisms are characterized by their ability to exhibit growth, reproduction, and adaptation, which non-living things cannot do. Option B, Photosynthetic, is incorrect because while photosynthesis is a characteristic of some living organisms, it does not describe all living organisms. Option C, Autotrophic, is incorrect because it describes organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, which not all living organisms are capable of. Therefore, D is the most accurate and inclusive choice for describing living organisms.