Question

Why do lichens not occur in Mumbai whereas they occur in Manali and Ooty?

Answer 1

1. Lichens are very sensitive to air pollution.
2. Air pollution is quite heavy in Mumbai while it is nearly absent in Manali and Ooty.
3. Lichens are highly sensitive to sulfur dioxide (SO₂) pollution in the air from automobiles and other factories.
4. Mumbai has maximum air pollution due to a large number of vehicles compared to Manali and Ooty.
5. Therefore, the growth of lichens does not occur in Mumbai, where air pollution is high.