Which term describes the group of organisms that are eukaryotic, often decomposers, and lack chlorophyll?

Which term describes the group of organisms that are eukaryotic, often decomposers, and lack chlorophyll?

• A. Virus
• B. Bacteria
• C. Fungus
• D. Protozoa

Answer: (C)

This item looks for organisms that have complex cells with a nucleus, don’t carry out photosynthesis, and typically break down dead material to recycle nutrients. That combination describes fungi. They are eukaryotes, they lack chlorophyll, and they absorb nutrients by secreting enzymes onto organic matter and then taking up the resulting nutrients—behavior that makes them common decomposers in ecosystems. Viruses aren’t cells and aren’t considered eukaryotes. Bacteria are prokaryotes, lacking a true nucleus. Protozoa are eukaryotic, but they’re usually consumers rather than primary decomposers. So fungi best fit all three traits.

This item looks for organisms that have complex cells with a nucleus, don’t carry out photosynthesis, and typically break down dead material to recycle nutrients. That combination describes fungi. They are eukaryotes, they lack chlorophyll, and they absorb nutrients by secreting enzymes onto organic matter and then taking up the resulting nutrients—behavior that makes them common decomposers in ecosystems.

Viruses aren’t cells and aren’t considered eukaryotes. Bacteria are prokaryotes, lacking a true nucleus. Protozoa are eukaryotic, but they’re usually consumers rather than primary decomposers. So fungi best fit all three traits.