Question

Lichens show the symbiotic association between
A. Algae and fungi
B. Fungi and bacteria
C. Bacteria and virus
D. Fungi and roots of higher plants

Answer 1

Hint: Symbiosis is the ecological association linking two organisms that live together. Lichens grant to soil production by shattering down rocks. They can fix nitrogen and act as a nitrogen source in some environments.

Complete answer:
Lichens are the symbiotic association linking algae and fungi. The algae benefit their fungal partner by producing organic food compounds through photosynthesis. In return, the fungal partner benefits the algae or cyanobacteria by protecting them and gathering moisture and nutrients from the environment.

Additional information of Lichen
- The symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi looks like a mutualism (a relationship during which both organisms benefit).
- In symbiotic relationships, the fungal component of a lichen is known as the ‘mycobiont’ and the algal or cyanobacteria component is known as the ‘photobiont’.
- Lichens are slow growing and they can live for hundreds of years.
- Some are very sensitive to pollution and are used as environmental indicators.
- Lichens grow in many places like rocks, bark of trees, walls, gravestones, roofs and soil, etc.
So, the correct answer is 'Algae and fungi'.

Note: Some lichens like stone mushrooms are used as a food. Lichens produce compounds that have antibacterial effects used as medicines. They have been used to extract dyes. Perfumes are also made up of lichens.