Biological Classification Ques 40
40. Which of the following statements is correct?
(a) Lichens are good pollution indicators.
(b) Lichens are often used as bioindicators of air pollution and can grow in polluted areas.
(c) Algal component of lichens is called photobiont.
(d) Fungal component of lichens is called mycobiont.
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.
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