How do animal-like protists differ from plant-like protists? a. animal-like protists are autotrophic in nature, while plant-like protists are heterotrophic. b. animal-like protists are mostly autotrophic in nature, whereas plant-like protists are saprophytic. c. animal-like protists are heterotrophic in nature, whereas plant-like protists are autotrophic.

The answer is C. Just like other most other plants, plant-like protists have the chlorophyll pigment that harnesses sunlight to make their own energy. This is why they are categorized as autotrophs. Animal-like protists, on the other hand, are heterotrophs because they consume other organic molecules by engulfing hence categorized heterotrophs.  

the principles and empirical processes of discovery and demonstration considered characteristic of or necessary for scientific investigation, generally involving the observation of phenomena, the formulation of a hypothesis concerning the phenomena, experimentation to test the hypothesis, and development of a conclusion that confirms, rejects, or modifies the hypothesis.