Biological Classification Question 133
133. Which of the following statements is correct?
(a) Lichens are not good pollution indicators.
(b) Lichens do not grow in polluted areas.
(c) Algal component of lichens is called mycobiont.
(d) Fungal component of lichens is called phycobiont.
Show Answer
Answer : b
Hints & Solutions
(b) Lichen is a symbiosis between different organisms. It is composed of a fungal partner (mycobiont) and one or more photosynthetic partners (photobiont). The photosynthetic partner is generally green algae or cyanobacteria. Lichens are well known as sensitive indicators of air pollution, particularly for sulphur dioxide. If air is very badly polluted with sulphur dioxide there may be no lichens present, just green algae may be found. If the air is clean, shrubby, hairy and leafy lichens become abundant.
