The GATE Grind

GATE 2025 ES – Question 30

Global and Regional Environmental Issues · Ecology and Ecosystems · 1 mark · Multiple select

Which statements about lichens are correct?

  1. They are fungi–bacteria associations that survive extreme air pollution.
  2. They are fungi–bacteria associations; fungi absorb water/minerals and bacteria make food.
  3. They are fungi–algae associations that survive extremes but are sensitive to air pollution.
  4. They are fungi–algae associations; fungi absorb water/minerals and algae photosynthesize.

Practise this question in The GATE Grind →

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (C) They are fungi–algae associations that survive extremes but are sensitive to air pollution.; (D) They are fungi–algae associations; fungi absorb water/minerals and algae photosynthesize.

Explanation

The conventional lichen partnership combines a fungus with a photosynthetic alga. The fungus supplies structure and retains water/minerals; the photosynthetic partner supplies organic food. Many lichens are sensitive to air pollution and serve as indicators. Thus the intended choices are **C, D**. Some lichens instead contain cyanobacteria, a biological qualification to the simplified fungus–alga description; it does not make the broad pollution-resistance claim in A true.

More Ecology and Ecosystems questions

All Ecology and Ecosystems questions →