Biological Classification Question 136
136. There exists a close association between the alga and the fungus within a lichen. The fungus
(a) provides protection, anchorage and absorption for the alga
(b) provides food for the alga
(c) fixes the atmospheric nitrogen for the alga
(d) releases oxygen for the alga
Show Answer
Answer : a
Hints & Solutions
(a) Lichens (coined by Theophrastus) are composite or dual organisms which are formed by a fungus partner or mycobiont (mostly ascomycetes) and an algal partner (mostly blue green algae). Fungus forms the body of lichen as well as its attaching and absorbing structures. Algae performs photosynthesis and provides food to the fungus.
