What type of organism exclusively feeds on dead organic matter?

The correct answer is strict saprophyte. These organisms have a specialized ecological role as decomposers, feeding exclusively on dead organic matter. By breaking down this material, strict saprophytes play a crucial role in nutrient cycling within ecosystems. This process enriches the soil and makes essential nutrients available for other organisms, thus supporting overall ecosystem health.

Autotrophs, on the other hand, are organisms that produce their own food typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, rather than feeding on organic matter. Heterotrophs consume organic material but do not exclusively rely on dead organisms; they can also feed on living organisms or their byproducts. Parasites gain nutrients by living on or in a host organism, often at the host's expense, which distinguishes them from saprophytes that thrive on decomposing matter.