Which kingdom is composed of heterotrophs that obtain energy from dead organic matter?

• A. Plants
• B. Fungi
• C. Animals
• D. Producers

Answer: (B)

Fungi fit this description because their energy comes from absorbing nutrients from dead or decaying organic matter. They are heterotrophs that secrete enzymes into detritus, break down complex molecules like cellulose and lignin, and then take up the resulting simpler compounds. This saprotrophic lifestyle makes them essential decomposers in ecosystems, recycling nutrients. Plants, by contrast, are autotrophs that produce their own energy through photosynthesis, so they don’t obtain energy from dead organic matter. Animals are also heterotrophs, but they typically obtain energy by ingesting food rather than absorbing nutrients from detritus. Producers are autotrophic, forming organic matter from sunlight or chemical energy, not consuming it as heterotrophs do.