Question

which three steps describe how an animal obtains and uses energy for growth?
first, an animal eats another organism. then, food is built into larger molecules. next, the animals cells use molecules to make new cells.
first, food is built into larger molecules. then, the animal eats another organism. next, the animals cells use molecules to make new cells.
first, an animal eats another organism. then, food is broken down into smaller molecules. next, the animals cells use molecules to make new cells.
first, food is broken down into smaller molecules. then, the animal eats another organism. next, the animals cells use molecules to make new cells.

Explanation:

Animals are heterotrophs, so they must consume other organisms (step 1: an animal eats another organism). The food they eat is complex (like proteins, carbohydrates in large - molecule form). But cells can only use smaller molecules. So the food is broken down (step 2: food is broken down into smaller molecules, e.g., proteins to amino acids, carbohydrates to simple sugars). Then these smaller molecules are used in processes like anabolism to build new cells (step 3: the animal's cells use molecules to make new cells).

Answer:

First, an animal eats another organism. Then, food is broken down into smaller molecules. Next, the animal's cells use molecules to make new cells.