Which statement accurately describes heterotrophs?

Heterotrophs are organisms that cannot produce their own food and instead obtain their nutrients by consuming other organisms, whether plants, animals, or other heterotrophs. This characteristic distinguishes them from autotrophs, which can create their own energy through processes like photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. In this context, option C accurately describes heterotrophs, as it emphasizes their dependency on external sources for nourishment.

The other choices illustrate misconceptions about heterotrophs. For instance, the statement about producing food from sunlight pertains to autotrophs, specifically plants, which engage in photosynthesis. The assertion that heterotrophs can manufacture all necessary nutrients is inaccurate, as they require intake from their environment. Lastly, stating that they are primarily plants is misleading since plants are autotrophs and distinctly different from heterotrophs. This clarity highlights the unique role of heterotrophs in the ecosystem as consumers or decomposers rather than producers.