Question

Read the given statements about lichens and select the incorrect ones.

(i) They represent an example of commensalism.
(ii) Algal partner obtains water and mineral salts from the fungus and the fungal partner obtains food prepared by the alga.
(iii) These do not grow in polluted areas.
(iv) The mycobiont is usually an ascomycetes or a basidiomycetes.
(v) The phycobiont is mostly a green alga or a cyanobacterium.
(vi) These constitute the pioneer community in the case of hydrosere.

• A. (i) and (ii)
• B. (v) and (vi)
• C. (i) and (vi)
• D. (i), (v) and (vi)

Answer 1

The correct option is C (i) and (vi)

C. (i) and (vi)

Solution : In lichens, the algal partner obtains water and minerals from the fungus and the fungal partner obtains food prepared by the alga. So in this case, it is an example of mutualism rather than commensalism as both the organisms are getting benefit of this interaction. The pioneer community of hydrosere is phytoplanktons as hydrosere usually starts from a pond.

So the correct answer is "(i) and (vi)".