Question

Phycology is the study of
a) Algae
b) Bacteria
c) Fungi
d) All of these

Answer 1

Hint: Greek word “phykos” means seaweed. Phycology is a subdiscipline of botany. This branch of botany deals with the study of simple photoautotrophic organisms that have a thalloid body.

Complete answer:
- The word psychology is derived from the Greek word “phykos'' meaning seaweed and “logia'' meaning study. Hence the study of algae is termed as phycology. It is also known as algology. Algae are of great importance to humans as they play an important role in the ecosystem. This sub-discipline of botany helps to understand that.

- The word mycology is derived from two Greek words “mycos” meaning fungus and ““logia” meaning study. Hence, the study of fungi is termed as mycology. It involves a detailed study of the relationship of fungi with each other and with other organisms. It shows the unique characteristics of fungi that sets them apart from other organisms.

- Bacteria are of utmost interest to humans not only because of their clinical significance but they also play an important role in ecological balance. Bacteria are tiny microscopic creatures which have a prokaryotic cell structure. The study of bacteria is called bacteriology. It’s a sub-branch of microbiology.

Thus the correct answer is option A- Algae.

Additional information:
The plant kingdom includes a large number of photoautotrophic organisms. Studying all of them under one branch of study is difficult. In order to ease out this process Botany has been divided into sub disciplinary study that include Psychology (study of algae); Bryology (Study of bryophytes); Pteridology(study of pteridophytes); Gymnosperm Ology ( Study of gymnosperms) and Angiosperm biology(study of flowering plants).

Note: Botany is an umbrella subject that includes the study of algae, fungi, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms. Psychology deals with algae, mycology deals with fungus, bryology deals with bryophytes, pteridology deals with pteridophytes, Gymnospermology deals with gymnosperms and angiosperm biology deals with the flowering plants.