Question

question #24
a scientist observes a protist over a short period of time.
the scientist places the same type of protist in different conditions. the table shows the data collected after 10 days.
what can the scientist conclude about the protist?
a the protist cannot produce energy without a light source.
b the protist relies on light to be able to see and gather food particles.
c the protist can obtain energy from both photosynthesis and digesting food particles.
d the protist is able to adapt to gain nutrients from any type of environment.

Explanation:

• Condition 1: With light (lamp), the protist has chloroplasts (suggesting photosynthesis potential) and grows. Photosynthesis uses light to produce energy.
• Condition 2: No light, no food particles. The protist does not grow.
• Condition 3: No light but with food particles. The protist grows. This implies it can get energy from digesting food (heterotrophic mode) when light - based energy production (photosynthesis, autotrophic mode) is not possible.

Answer:

C. The protist can obtain energy from both photosynthesis and digesting food particles.