Which term describes organisms that obtain energy by feeding on other living things?

• A. Autotrophs
• B. Decomposers
• C. Consumers
• D. Producers

Answer: (C)

In ecosystems, energy moves from producers, which make their own food, to consumers, which obtain energy by feeding on other living things. The term that describes organisms that get energy this way is consumers. This group includes herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores. By contrast, autotrophs or producers synthesize their own energy, and decomposers feed on dead matter rather than live organisms. So the best term for organisms feeding on living things is consumers.