Members of the kingdom Animalia can obtain

• A. Their food by eating other organisms.
• B. They photosynthesize.
• C. They decompose organic matter.
• D. They absorb nutrients.

Answer: (A)

Animals are heterotrophs, meaning they obtain energy and building materials by consuming other organisms. They ingest food and then digest it into smaller molecules that their bodies can use for energy, growth, and repair. This feeding strategy distinguishes animals from autotrophs that make their own food through photosynthesis, and from decomposers that primarily break down dead matter with microbes or detritivores.

Photosynthesis isn’t done by animals themselves; some can host photosynthetic partners, but the animal organism does not perform photosynthesis. Decomposing organic matter is mainly the job of fungi and bacteria (and some detritivores help physically break down material), not the typical feeding method of animals. Absorbing nutrients is part of digestion after food is ingested, but obtaining food itself is accomplished via eating. That’s why consuming other organisms is the correct way animals obtain their nutrition.