Lichens are the associations of

Options

A. bacteria and fungus
B. algae and bacterium
C. fungus and algae
D. fungus and virus

Answer

C

Explanation

Lichens are association (mutually beneficial) between fungus and alga. The fungal partner is mycobiont and algal partner is phycobiont. The mycobiont is usually an ascomycete and phycobiont is usually green algae. Lichens can grow in extremely inhospitable conditions. In many ecosystems they are the pioneer species. The role of mucobiont is providing body structure and anchorage and abosorption of minerals and water. The role of phycobiont is mainly in providing food through photosynthesis.