Which type of organism depends on others for food?

The correct answer identifies a heterotroph as an organism that depends on others for food. Heterotrophs cannot produce their own food through processes like photosynthesis, which is characteristic of autotrophs. Instead, they obtain energy and nutrients by consuming other organisms, whether they be plants, animals, or decomposing organic material. This group includes a wide variety of organisms such as animals, fungi, and some bacteria.

In contrast, autotrophs convert inorganic substances into organic matter, effectively producing their own food through processes like photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic refer to the cellular structure of organisms instead of their feeding mechanisms. Prokaryotic organisms, which include bacteria, can be either autotrophic or heterotrophic, while eukaryotic organisms, which include plants, animals, and fungi, can also encompass both types depending on the specific organism in question. Therefore, heterotrophs are specifically defined by their reliance on other organisms for food, making this the most accurate answer.