Which kingdom contains organisms that are largely heterotrophic and lack photosynthetic ability?

• A. Protista
• B. Animalia
• C. Plantae
• D. Fungi

Answer: (B)

This question focuses on how organisms obtain energy across kingdoms. The kingdom that fits the description of being largely heterotrophic and not capable of photosynthesis is the one whose members rely on consuming other organisms or their organic matter for energy and carbon. Animals are multicellular heterotrophs that do not perform photosynthesis; they obtain nutrients by ingesting or consuming other organisms, which fits the statement precisely.

In contrast, plants are predominantly photoautotrophs, producing their own sugars via photosynthesis. Fungi are also heterotrophs and do not photosynthesize, but they absorb nutrients from their surroundings rather than ingesting food in the way animals do. Protista is a diverse group containing both photosynthetic organisms (like many algae) and non-photosynthetic ones (like many protozoa), so it isn’t described as “largely” heterotrophic.