Question

Symbiotic association is shown by
A. lichens
B. fungi
C. sandal
D. granite (Nepenthes)

Answer 1

Symbiotic association is a close type of association between two different organisms. The two organisms can either benefit from each other, only one is benefited , neutral. Based on this, there are different types of symbiotic association.

Complete answer:
There are mainly four types of associations: Mutualism, Commensalism, Amensalism and parasitism. Each association has different benefiting and harming individuals. In symbiotic associations both the partners are benefited.
Let us analyze the options given:

Option A: lichen is not any free-living single organism. It is a symbiotic association between fungus and algae/ cyanobacteria. Fungi are heterotrophic and require food to eat. The food is provided by algae, as algae is photosynthetic and prepares its own food. In return, fungi gives shelter to the algae to stay. In this case, both the partners are dependent and benefited. Therefore, this is the correct option.

Option B: Fungi are in association with lichens and mycorrhiza. It absorbs water and nutrients and also provides shelter. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option C: sandal is a kind of a tree whose woods are scented, yellow-orange in colour and are heavy. The wood is used in industries for making decoration items, it has medicinal values and is used in cosmetics too. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option D: Graphite(Nepenthes): It is known as a tropical pitcher plant or monkey cups. They eat all the insects, flies and bugs which try to come near its surface. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Other examples of symbiotic relationships can be plant eating animals like cows, they have symbiotic microorganisms in their digestive tract which helps them to digest the cellulose present in plants.