There are two main modes of nutrition - autotrophic nutrition and heterotrophic nutrition. Autotrophs can produce their own food using inorganic materials like plants via photosynthesis. Heterotrophs obtain organic food from other sources and cannot produce their own food. There are different types of heterotrophic nutrition including holozoic, saprophytic, and parasitic nutrition. Saprophytes obtain nutrients from non-living organic matter like fungi and bacteria that decompose dead organisms. Parasites obtain nutrients from other living organisms, harming the host.

11. Investigation 6.1 To observe Mucor

12. Why is it necessary to leave the moist bread uncovered for 30 minutes ? Ans: Because the spore of Mucor are carried by air current. They can drop onto the bread and then germinate.

13. What are the thread-like structures growing on the surface of the bread ? Ans: The thread-like structures are used for feeding. They are called hyphae which can produce enzymes for digesting the organic food.

20. Investigation 6.2 To observe a Tapeworm

21. Does the tapeworm have a mouth ? Ans: The tapeworm does not have a mouth.

22. Does the tapeworm have a digestive tract ? Why ? Ans: No. It is not necessary for a tapeworm to digest food because it obtains food directly from its host’s ileum by diffusion.

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