Mixotrophic nutrition occurs in

Mixotrophic nutrition is a type of nutritional strategy used by organisms that can utilize both autotrophic and heterotrophic modes of nutrition. A prime example of an organism exhibiting mixotrophic nutrition is Euglena, a single-celled organism belonging to the group of protists.

Euglena contains chloroplasts, which allow it to carry out photosynthesis, a key characteristic of autotrophic nutrition. This means that Euglena is capable of synthesizing its own food by converting sunlight into energy, much like plants. However, mixotrophic nutrition in Euglena goes beyond simple autotrophy.

While Euglena can produce its own food through photosynthesis, it can also absorb organic nutrients from its environment. This ability to take in nutrients directly from the surrounding environment is a hallmark of heterotrophic nutrition. Thus, Euglena’s nutritional strategy is not purely autotrophic but rather mixotrophic, as it can switch between these two modes of nutrition depending on available conditions.

In the presence of sufficient sunlight, Euglena predominantly uses photosynthesis, but when sunlight is scarce or when other nutrients are needed, it can absorb dissolved organic matter from its surroundings. This adaptability is a significant feature of mixotrophic nutrition, allowing Euglena to thrive in various environments.

In summary, Euglena is a prime example of an organism that exhibits mixotrophic nutrition, combining the ability to produce its own food via photosynthesis and to absorb nutrients from its environment when needed. This versatile nutritional strategy enables Euglena to survive and grow under a variety of environmental conditions.