Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of fungi?

The presence of chlorophyll is not a characteristic of fungi. Fungi are unique among organisms in that they lack chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis—the process that enables plants to convert light energy into chemical energy. Instead, fungi obtain their nutrients through heterotrophic means, which means they absorb nutrients from their environment, often by breaking down organic material.

This distinguishes them from plants, which use chlorophyll to photosynthesize and produce their own food. The other characteristics listed are defining features of fungi: they are heterotrophic, reproduce via spores, and have cell walls made mostly of chitin, which differentiates them from the cellulose found in plant cell walls. Understanding these fundamental differences is critical in the study of plant pathogens and pest control.