Organisms which could obtain energy by degrading chemical molecules for synthesis of organic food were

Options

A. Chemoheterotrophs
B. Autotrophs
C. Chemoautotrophs
D. Photoautotrophs

Answer

To answer the question, "Organisms which could obtain energy by degrading chemical molecules for synthesis of organic food were," we need to analyze the different types of organisms based on how they obtain their energy and synthesize their food.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Types of Organisms**:
- There are two main categories of organisms based on their nutritional modes: **Autotrophs** and **Heterotrophs**.
- **Autotrophs** are organisms that can synthesize their own food from inorganic substances. They can be further classified into:
- **Photoautotrophs**: These organisms use light energy to produce food (e.g., plants).
- **Chemoautotrophs**: These organisms obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic substances (e.g., certain bacteria).

2. **Identify the Key Terms**:
- The question specifies "degrading chemical molecules" which indicates that the organisms are using chemical energy rather than light energy to synthesize organic food.

3. **Evaluate the Options**:
- **Chemoheterotrophs**: These organisms obtain energy and carbon from organic compounds. They do not synthesize their own food.
- **Autotrophs**: This term is broad and includes both photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs. It does not specify the type of energy source.
- **Chemoautotrophs**: These organisms specifically obtain energy by degrading chemical molecules and can synthesize their own food.
- **Phototrophs**: These organisms use light energy, which does not fit the criteria of the question.

4. **Select the Correct Answer**:
- Given the definitions and the context of the question, the correct answer is **Chemoautotrophs**. They are the organisms that obtain energy by degrading chemical molecules for the synthesis of organic food.

### Final Answer:
The organisms which could obtain energy by degrading chemical molecules for synthesis of organic food were **Chemoautotrophs**.