Question

Lichens are important in the studies on atmospheric pollution because they

• A. Can cause eutrophication
• B. Efficiently purify the atmosphere
  
• C. Are very sensitive to pollutants like $S{O}_2$
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C Are very sensitive to pollutants like $S{O}_2$

• A lichen is a composite organism that arises from algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of multiple fungi species in a mutualistic relationship.
  
• If air is very badly polluted with sulfur dioxide($S{O}_2$) there may be no lichens present, just green algae may be found. If the air is clean, shrubby, hairy and leafy lichens become abundant
  
• Hence Lichens are important in the studies on atmospheric pollution because they are very sensitive to pollutants like sulfur dioxide.
• So, the correct answer is ' Are very sensitive to pollutants like $S{O}_2$.