An organism that gets its energy requirements by consuming other organisms.

• A. Autotroph
• B. Detritovore
• C. Heterotroph
• D. Decomposer

Answer: (C)

In ecosystems, energy comes from two broad strategies: autotrophs produce their own energy, while heterotrophs get energy by consuming other organisms or organic matter. An organism that gets its energy requirements by consuming other organisms fits the heterotroph category because its energy comes from outside itself, rather than being generated directly from sunlight or inorganic sources. Detritivores and decomposers are also heterotrophs, since they rely on organic matter for energy, but the description most directly points to the general idea of obtaining energy by consuming living or once-living material, which is captured by the term heterotroph.