Question

During unfavourable conditions slime molds form spores which are survival for a long time, spore dispersal take place by
A) Water currents
B) Air currents
C) Insects
D) None of these

Answer 1

Hint:- Slime mold are eukaryotic organisms that can live freely as single cells, and aggregate together to form multicellular reproductive structures. Slime molds were formerly classified as fungi however, later they were classified in the kingdom Protista.

Complete Answer:-
Slime moulds are saprophytic and lack chlorophyll and feed on dead and decaying organic matter and microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and yeasts Slime moulds are found creeping on debris, decaying leaves or twigs, in soil, on the forest floor, on tree canopies, and moist, dark and cool conditions Due to their gelatinous appearance, they are called slime. Under unfavorable conditions, they form aggregates, this is common in plasmodia or acellular slime moulds.
During the unfavorable condition, the plasmodium differentiates and forms fruiting bodies bearing spores at their tips. The spores possess true walls made up of cellulose. These spores are extremely resistant and can survive for many years under extreme conditions. The spores then get released and dispersed by air currents and eventually germinate in wet and moist places. The typical germinated spores of Slime moulds go through a single haploid ameboid or flagellated swimming vegetative stage, which is then followed by sexual fusions and cell divisions. The formation of spore is a type of asexual method of reproduction in slime moulds.
Thus, the right option is B.

Note:- Some of the slime moulds species are parasitic and are found in the roots of the Brassicaceae family. The plasmodial stage of slime moulds resembles protozoa while fruiting bodies (form spores) resemble fungi.