Question

Lichens are the association of

• A. A green plant and a non-green plant
• B. All the above
• C. An autotroph and a saprotroph
• D. An autotroph and a heterotroph

Answer 1

The correct option is D An autotroph and a heterotroph

In organisms called lichens, a chlorophyll-containing partner, which is an alga, and a fungus live together. The fungus provides shelter, water and minerals to the alga and, in return, the alga provides food which it prepares by photosynthesis. Heterotrophs are dependable organisms while saprotrophs are not. Thus, an autotroph and a heterotroph make a perfect match for each other.