Question

Read the passage and answer the following questions:
Acid rain is formed after the burning of fossil fuels releases compounds containing nitrogen and sulfur into the atmosphere. Sunlight and rain bring about chemical reactions that convert these compounds into nitric acid and sulfur dioxide, which combine with water droplets to form acid rain. Acid rain typically has a pH of approximately 5.5. "The higher acidity of soil and water affects many living organisms adversely. As the pH of lake water falls, fish become ill and die. Table 1 shows the effects of pH on the size of adult fish.

pH of lake	Average length of fish (cm)	Average mass of fish (g)
7.5	30 cm	454 g
7.0	28 cm	450 g
6.5	29 cm	453 g
6.0	25 cm	401 g
5.5	20 cm	288 g
5.0	17 cm	127 g
4.5	All fish died	All fish died

Mycorrhizal fungi, which form a mutualistic association with many plant roots, are particularly sensitive to the effects of acid rain. These fungi facilitate the
absorption of water and nutrients by the plants; in turn, the plants provide sugars and amino acids without which the fungi could not survive.
Fungi are classified as

• A. Prokaryotic decomposers
• B. Eukaryotic producers
• C. Eukaryotic decomposers
• D. Eukaryotic autotrophs
• E. Prokaryotic consumers

Answer 1

The correct option is C Eukaryotic decomposers

Fungi have a well-defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles and are classified as eukaryotes.

Fungi are not producers (can not synthesize organic compounds by themselves), they feed on the dead and decaying matter and derive their nutrition by decomposition of complex organic matter present in debris making them saprophytes and decomposers.

Therefore, the correct answer is option C.