Question

How is lichen used as an indicator for air pollution?

Answer 1

Lichen:

1. Lichen is a composite organism composed of algae, cyanobacteria, and fungi that are found in symbiotic associations with each other.
2. Lichens are found on rock, walls, gravestones, roofs, exposed soil surfaces, rubber, bones, and in the soil as part of biological soil crusts.
3. The algal component of the symbiotic relationship produces food via photosynthesis( usage of sunlight to produce food with the help of photosynthetic organisms).
4. Lichens have been found to be sensitive to air pollution.
5. When air pollution increases the population impulsively decreases.
6. Hence, this acts as an indicator of a high number of air pollutants in the atmosphere.