Question

Lichens growing on rocks are called

• A. Corticolous
• B. Saxicolous
• C. Terricolous
• D. Lignicolous

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Saxicolous

The correct option is B.

Explanation for correct option:

1. A lichen that develops on rock is known as a saxicolous lichen.
2. "Sax" stands for "rock" or "stone," derived from the Latin word saxum.
3. Moss is an illustration of saxicolous.
4. Living or developing on rocks.

Explanation for incorrect option:

Option A:

1. A lichen that develops on the bark is known as a corticolous lichen.
2. This is in contrast to saxicolous lichen, which grows on rock, and lignicolous lichen, which grows on wood that has had its bark removed.

Option C:

1. A lichen that develops on the soil as a substrate is referred to as terricolous.
2. Some Peltigera species serve as an illustration.

Option D:

1. A lichen known as a lignocolous lichen grows on wood that has had its bark removed.
2. This should be contrasted with saxicolous lichens, which grow on rock, and corticolous lichens, which grow on bark.
3. This last case illustrates how a fruiting body can develop on a "substrate" other than the material it is feeding on.

Final answer: Lichens growing on rocks are called Saxicolous.