Question

Lichens are sensitive to_______.

• A. Air pollution
• B. Noise pollution
• C. Water pollution
• D. Nuclear pollution

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Air pollution

The correct option is A.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Lichens are the result of symbiotic relationships between fungi and algae.
2. Instead of the soil, these absorb the mineral nutrients from the moist air.
3. Living things called "bioindicators" react to environmental changes in a very blatant way.
4. Since the resilient lichens primarily obtain their water and vital nutrients from the atmosphere rather than the soil, they serve as valuable bioindicators for air pollution, particularly sulfur dioxide pollution.
5. The fact that they can respond to air contaminants year-round is also beneficial.
6. They are less expensive to employ when assessing air pollution than the majority of physical/chemical detectors.
7. Because lichens bind radioactive metals and hazardous elemental contaminants in their fungal threads, where they accumulate over time, lichens can also be used to monitor these pollutants.

Explanations of the incorrect option:

Option B:

1. Lichens do not indicate noise pollution levels in the environment.
2. The spread of noise with varying implications on human or animal activities is known as noise pollution, also known as environmental noise or sound pollution.
3. The majority of these effects are to some extent negative.
4. Machines, transportation, and propagation systems are the main global sources of outdoor noise.

Option C:

1. Lichens do not play a role in indicating levels of water pollution.
2. Water pollution, also known as aquatic pollution, is the contamination of water bodies, typically brought on by human activity, which has a detrimental impact on the uses of the water.
3. Aquifers, reservoirs, lakes, rivers, seas, and groundwater are all examples of bodies of water.
4. When contaminants are introduced into these water bodies, water contamination results.
5. Sewage discharges, industrial activities, agricultural activities, and urban runoff are the four main causes of water contamination.

Option D:

1. Lichens do not indicate nuclear pollution.

Final answer: Lichens are sensitive to air pollution.