Which of the following is the opposite of homogeneous?

The correct choice, which is the opposite of "homogeneous," is "heterogeneous." The term "homogeneous" refers to a composition that is uniform in structure or composition throughout. In contrast, "heterogeneous" describes a mixture or collection that is composed of different elements or parts, indicating diversity and variation within the whole.

For example, a homogeneous mixture would be something like saltwater, where the salt is completely dissolved and evenly distributed throughout. On the other hand, a heterogeneous mixture would be something like a salad, where the different ingredients (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.) retain their distinct characteristics and can be easily separated from one another.

This fundamental difference in composition is what clearly marks "heterogeneous" as the opposite of "homogeneous." While other terms like "similar," "uniform," and "consistent" indicate uniformity or sameness, they do not capture the key aspect of diversity that "heterogeneous" embodies. Thus, recognizing that "heterogeneous" signifies a lack of uniformity directly correlates it as the opposite of "homogeneous."