Question

Which of the following statement is correct?

• A. Lichen, an association of fungus and algae is an example of Mutualism
• B. Those epiphytes which use other plants for support only and not for water or food supply are examples of commensalism
• C. Sea-anemone on herbit crab is an example of protocooperation
• D. Mutualism, protocooperation, commensalism cannot be included under symbiosis

Answer 1

The correct option is A Lichen, an association of fungus and algae is an example of Mutualism

Symbiosis is an interaction between two different organisms. The interaction can be mutualistic i.e., both organisms in the relationship can benefit from each other or commensalism where it is beneficial to just one organism and the other organism is not harmed.
Sea-anemone and hermit crab are examples of commensalism because hermit crab gets protection from its predators by carrying around the sea anemone and the sea anemone is not harmed.
The epiphyte growing on a tree obtains not only support but also water and nutrients from the tree, but the tree is not harmed.
Therefore, the only correct statement here is that lichens are an example of mutualism between fungi and algae.