Question

Pick up the wrong statement:

(a) Lichens are a symbiotic association

(b) Lichens are very good pollution indicators

(c) Lichens do not grow in unpolluted areas

(d) The algal component of lichens is known as phycobiont.

(e) The fungal components of lichen are known as mycobiont.

Answer 1

Hint: Lichens are a complex life form that is a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms, a fungus and an alga. Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the relationship. The fungi gains by using the nutrients formed by the algae or cyanobacteria through the process of photosynthesis.

Complete answer:

Lichens are commonly used as natural pollution indicators, also called bioindicators. If the air is pollutant-free, shrubby, chemical-free, and leafy, the lichens will grow abundantly. So we can say that they do not grow in polluted areas.

There are very few lichen species that can survive in very high levels of pollution and chemicals in the air.

Since they are the association of algae and fungi, we can say that the algal component of lichens is known as phycobiont. While the fungal components of lichen are known as mycobionts. 

So, the correct answer is ‘Lichens do not grow in unpolluted areas’.

Additional Information: 

Lichens have various properties that are not common in their constituent organisms. Lichens are present in various colors, structures, and forms.

-Some lichens resemble plants, with small branches without leaves, flat structures that resemble a leaf, some appear like a powder, and some with different growth forms.

-Lichens with bush-like and leafy structures are called macrolichen and other forms are called microlichens. The usage of "macro" and "micro" Are not based on the size, but depending on the growth form.

Note: Even though lichens are similar to plants they are not plants and hence they lack roots that are used to absorb water and minerals in plants. The similarity is due to the presence of the process of photosynthesis and does not depend on other organisms for energy.

-Lichens are found growing commonly on plants, not as parasites, but as a substrate. They often form a mutualistic relationship with plants.

-Lichens are found from sea level to higher altitudes, and can grow on any surface or environment except for the ones with high pollution.