Question

______ living species scavenge dead plant or animal debris.

○ parasitic

○ heterotrophic

○ free

○ plant

Explanation:

• Parasitic organisms live on or in a host and derive nutrients from it, not by scavenging dead debris.
• Heterotrophic organisms obtain food by consuming other organic matter. Scavenging dead plant or animal debris is a way heterotrophs get nutrients (e.g., some bacteria, fungi, or animals like vultures).
• "Free" is too vague and doesn't relate to the mode of obtaining nutrients from dead debris.
• Plants are typically autotrophic (make their own food via photosynthesis) and don't scavenge dead debris.

Answer:

heterotrophic