What type of nutrition involves both autotrophic and heterotrophic processes?

Mixotrophic nutrition is characterized by organisms that utilize both autotrophic and heterotrophic processes to obtain energy and nutrients. Autotrophic organisms, like plants, can harness energy from sunlight through photosynthesis and convert inorganic substances into organic matter. On the other hand, heterotrophic organisms rely on consuming other organisms or organic material for their energy and nutrient requirements.

Mixotrophs combine these two nutritional strategies, allowing them to adapt to varying environmental conditions. For example, certain protists and plants may perform photosynthesis during the day while also absorbing organic compounds from their environment. This dual approach provides them with flexibility and resilience in nutrient-scarce conditions, thus enhancing their survival and growth.

The incorrect options focus on exclusive strategies: heterotrophic includes only consuming other organisms, autotrophic encompasses only self-sustaining energy production (like photosynthesis), and parasitic nutrition is a form of heterotrophy where one organism derives nutrients at the expense of another. Thus, the choice highlighting a combination of both autotrophy and heterotrophy is mixotrophic nutrition.