A composite organism consists of an algal partner that prepares food and a fungal partner that provides shelter and abso
The organism is a lichen. The algal phycobiont prepares food, while the fungal mycobiont provides shelter and absorbs water and mineral nutrients. Lichens do not grow in polluted areas and therefore indicate air pollution.
Ref: NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 2: Biological Classification Viruses Viroids Prions and Lichens