Question

Air quality indicator is

• A. Lichen
• B. Moss
• C. Algae
• D. Bacteria

Answer 1

The correct option is A Lichen

• Lichens are mutualistic associations of a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium and occur as crusty patches or bushy growths on trees, rocks, and bare ground.
• Lichens are very sensitive to sulphur dioxide pollution in the air. Lichens are widely used as environmental indicators or bio-indicators. If air is very badly polluted with sulphur dioxide there may be no lichens present.
• Lichens are sensitive to sulphur dioxide, because their efficient absorption systems result in rapid accumulation of sulphur when exposed to high levels of sulphur dioxide pollution. The algal partner are most affected by the sulphur dioxide; chlorophyll is destroyed and photosynthesis is inhibited.

Thus, the correct answer is option A.