Natural Science CLEP Prep Practice Exam

Which type of energy does an animal obtain from their food?

1. Thermal

2. Kinetic

3. Chemical

4. Radiant

The correct answer is: Chemical

Animal obtains chemical energy from their food because animals consume living or dead organisms to obtain the nutrients they need to sustain life. Chemical energy is a form of potential energy that is stored in the food molecules and can be converted into other forms of energy, such as thermal or kinetic energy, for the animal's use. Option A, thermal energy, is a form of kinetic energy and is the energy of heat. Option B, kinetic energy, is the energy of motion and is not obtained directly from food. Option D, radiant energy, is the energy of electromagnetic waves and is not obtained from food. Therefore, the correct answer is C, chemical energy.