Question

Algae and fungi form symbiotic association called as
A) Moss
B) Lichens
C) Roots nodules
D) None of the above

Answer 1

Symbiosis is any type of a close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms. It can either be facultative or obligatory.

Complete answer:
Let us analyse the options to find the correct answer.
Option A: Mosses are small, non-vascular flowerless plants that typically form dense green clumps or mats, often in damp or shady areas. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option B: Lichens are basically a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi. It is a composite organism in which the algal part (blue green algae) lives among the filaments of the fungi. The fungi provides shelter and the algae provides food. Therefore, this is the correct option.
The fungal part is commonly known as mycobiont and the non-fungal part is known as photobiont. The fungal part in most lichens are either ascomycetes or basidiomycetes. whereas, the common algal partners are either cyanophyceae family of blue-green algae or green algae of chlorophyta.
Option C: Root nodules are specialized organs developed by the host plant, mostly legumes, in which the symbiotic microorganism, generally a diazotrophic bacterium, reduces nitrogen gas into ammonium. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option D: As one of the options is correct, therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Thus, the correct option is (B) Lichens.

Note: The uses of lichens are,

They can be used as pollution indicators as they cannot grow in polluted areas. Their growth can be used to assess the levels of pollution
They help in nutrient recycling as they can acts as decomposers and are also photosynthetic
They can also be used to produce antibiotics