A composite organism consists of an algal partner that prepares food and a fungal partner that provides shelter and abso

Practice question

Question

A composite organism consists of an algal partner that prepares food and a fungal partner that provides shelter and absorbs water and minerals. Which additional observation is expected?

Options

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It grows abundantly in polluted areas. It is generally absent from polluted areas. Correct Both partners are heterotrophic. The fungal partner performs photosynthesis.

Explanation

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.

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