Question

Which of the following statements is correct ?

• A. Lichens do not grow in polluted areas.
• B. Algal component of lichens is called mycobiont.
• C. Fungal component of lichens is called phycobiont.
• D. Lichens are not good pollution indicators.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine which of the given statements is correct, let's analyze each option in detail:

1. Lichens do not grow in polluted areas.
   • This statement is correct. Lichens are sensitive to air pollution, particularly sulfur dioxide, and they tend to thrive in clean environments. Therefore, they are often used as bioindicators of air quality.
2. Algal component of lichens is called mycobiont.
   • This statement is incorrect. In lichens, the algal component is known as the "phycobiont" or "photobiont," not mycobiont. The mycobiont is the fungal partner.
3. Fungal component of lichens is called phycobiont.
   • This statement is also incorrect. The fungal component in lichens is called the "mycobiont," while the algal component is referred to as the "phycobiont" or "photobiont."
4. Lichens are not good pollution indicators.
   • This statement is incorrect. Lichens are excellent indicators of pollution, particularly air pollution. Their presence and health can give us clues about the level of pollutants in the air.

Based on this analysis, it is clear that the correct statement is: "Lichens do not grow in polluted areas."