Question

Which of the following represents the maximum number of species among global biodiversity?
A. Algae
B. Lichens
C. Fungi
D. Mosses and ferns

Answer 1

Hint: Biodiversity refers to the variety of flora and fauna found in a particular area or geographical location. The global biodiversity is the total number of species ranging from microbes to complex animals available on the whole earth. The species that constitute the most of biodiversity is called the Key decomposers of Earth. They are found everywhere, from moist to radioactive environments.

Complete step by step answer: The biodiversity of an area is representative of its ecological health. There are several thousand or million species that persist on Earth. Some of the species are yet to be revealed. Over intense years of studying the various diversities on the Earth, scientists observed that decomposing species is the one that makes most of the global biodiversity. They are found on rotting materials, in associations with animals, plants, bacteria, etc. All the extreme habitats are suitable for their growth.
-Algae are eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms. Usually single-celled and are found as aquatic plant types. They have chlorophyll but lack true plant organs such as stem, roots, leaves, etc. Seaweeds are examples of algae. They have symbiotic relationships with fungus, coral reefs, sea sponges, etc. they form a diverse group of species found mostly floating over fresh or marine waters.
-Lichens are the associations of algae and fungal species. These are commonly found sticking on the trunk of trees or rocks. Lichens photosynthesis to make their food. Also, they require clean fresh air, water to survive, and nutrients. They are sensitive to harsh environments and get destroyed by toxic gases or scarcity of water and nutrients.
-Fungi are a very large and diverse kingdom. It consists of unicellular fungi that float in the air, water, soil, and dead matter. They are the largest number of decomposers on Earth. They derive their nutrition from rotting, dead, pr decaying matter. They can survive all the harsh conditions ranging from strong UV radiations to space radiations. They have a worldwide distribution and are also found in deep sediments. Mushrooms and molds are common examples of fungi. They live in symbiotic relations with almost every organism. They make up the largest part of biodiversity.
-Mosses and ferns are primitive plants that belong to the group bryophytes. They can live in water as well as on soil. They derive nutrition through photosynthesis. They reproduce by spores majorly. They are sensitive to extreme conditions and cannot survive in harsh environments.
Hence, the correct answer is Option C

Note: Fungi are usually very beneficial to humans. The mushrooms are the most nutritive and protein-rich source of the human diet. But many of the fungal species are parasitic. Fungal infections are dangerous and hard to control as they adapt to all harsh conditions very easily.