Lichens are well known combination of an alga and a fungus where fungus has
- a saprophytic relationship with the alga
- an epiphytic relationship with the alga
- a parasitic relationship with alga
- a symbiotic relationship with alga
Answer
(4) a symbiotic relationship with alga
Solution
As per NCERT, lichens are symbiotic (mutually useful) associations between algae and fungi.
⇒ The algal partner (phycobiont) prepares food for the fungus, and the fungal partner (mycobiont) provides shelter and absorbs mineral nutrients and water for its partner.
Answer: (4)