Question

Given below are a few organisms. Which among the below can grow on stones and help in the formation of soil? Write the mode of their action for making soil.

• A. Lichens
• B. Moss
• C. Mango tree
• D. Cactus

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Lichens

The correct option is A.

Explanation for the correct option:

1. Lichens are life forms that are formed by the symbiotic relationship between fungi and alga.
2. They are plants that can grow on bare rocks and have an important role in the formation of soil by etching the rock surface.
3. The lichens that grow on rocks are referred to as saxicolous lichens.
4. These organisms grow on rocks and release chemicals that speed up the degradation of rock into soil particles. This promotes the production of new soils.

Explanation for the incorrect option:

Option B:

1. Mosses are small, nonvascular spore-bearing terrestrial plants.
2. They help in anchoring the plant body to the rock, bark, or soil surface.

Option C:

1. The mango tree is widely cultivated in the tropical world.
2. They thrive in tropical climates and do not grow in cold temperatures.

Option D:

1. Cactus are succulent perennial plants that have thick, chlorophyll-containing stems.
2. They are devoid of leaves or have been modified into spines.

Final answer: Lichens can grow on stones and help in the formation of soil.