Answer :
Based on the description provided, the organism feeding on the rotting log sample is most likely a fungus-like protist. Here's why:
1. The description mentions that the organism was eukaryotic and could not photosynthesize. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that obtain nutrients by decomposing organic matter, such as rotting logs, through a process called saprotrophic nutrition. Unlike plants, fungi do not photosynthesize but rely on external food sources.
2. The presence of a cell wall in the organism is another characteristic that aligns with fungi. Fungi have cell walls made of chitin, a structural component that provides support and protection to the cells. This feature distinguishes fungi from other eukaryotic organisms like animals or protists.
3. Plant-like protists and animal-like protists are less likely to be feeding on the rotting log sample since plant-like protists would typically photosynthesize and animal-like protists are more associated with consuming other organisms rather than decomposing organic matter.
Therefore, based on the information provided, the most suitable answer would be C. fungus-like protist.
1. The description mentions that the organism was eukaryotic and could not photosynthesize. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that obtain nutrients by decomposing organic matter, such as rotting logs, through a process called saprotrophic nutrition. Unlike plants, fungi do not photosynthesize but rely on external food sources.
2. The presence of a cell wall in the organism is another characteristic that aligns with fungi. Fungi have cell walls made of chitin, a structural component that provides support and protection to the cells. This feature distinguishes fungi from other eukaryotic organisms like animals or protists.
3. Plant-like protists and animal-like protists are less likely to be feeding on the rotting log sample since plant-like protists would typically photosynthesize and animal-like protists are more associated with consuming other organisms rather than decomposing organic matter.
Therefore, based on the information provided, the most suitable answer would be C. fungus-like protist.
