Question

Why lichens are considered as bioindicators?

• A. Lichens can be used to control pollution
• B. Lichens can indicate the pollutants in environment.
• C. Lichens can be used as biological coloured indicators for textile industry.
• D. Lichens can indicate that they are biologically degradable.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Lichens can indicate the pollutants in environment.

If air is very badly polluted with sulfur dioxide there may be no lichens present, just green algae may be found. If the air is clean, shrubby, hairy and leafy lichens become abundant. This is the reason lichens are widely used as environmental indicators or bio-indicators.