Living Environment Regents Practice Test

What characteristic allows green sea slugs to be considered both producers and consumers?

1. They can photosynthesize and eat other organisms

2. They can produce waste and create energy

3. They rely on other organisms for nutrients

4. They participate in both aerobic and anaerobic processes

The correct answer is: They can photosynthesize and eat other organisms

Green sea slugs, specifically the Elysia chlorotica species, have a unique ability that enables them to be considered both producers and consumers. They possess a characteristic that allows them to photosynthesize, a process usually associated with plants and other photosynthetic organisms. This means that they can convert sunlight into energy using chloroplasts, which they acquire from the algae they consume. The chloroplasts remain functional within the slugs' cells, enabling them to harness solar energy. Additionally, these slugs also consume other organisms, primarily algae, to obtain nutrients. This dual capability of photosynthesis and heterotrophy (the consumption of other organisms for energy) is what distinctly qualifies them as both producers and consumers in their ecosystem. This characteristic showcases the intricate relationships and adaptations found in nature, demonstrating how some organisms can occupy multiple roles within the food web. The other options do not encapsulate this unique ability. While producing waste and creating energy is a common trait of living organisms, it does not specifically define the dual role of producers and consumers. Relying on other organisms for nutrients pertains more to consumers than to producers. Lastly, participation in aerobic and anaerobic processes relates to metabolic pathways but does not directly address the specific roles of producing and consuming