The highest number of species in the world is represented by

Options

A. Mosses
B. Algae
C. Lichens
D. Fungi

Answer

To determine which group of organisms represents the highest number of species in the world, we will analyze the number of identified species in various groups as follows:

1. **Mosses**: Mosses belong to the bryophytes category within the plant kingdom. The total number of identified moss species is approximately **12,000**.

2. **Algae**: Algae also belong to the plant kingdom. The number of identified algal species is significantly higher than that of mosses, totaling around **72,500**.

3. **Lichens**: Lichens are unique organisms that result from a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae. They do not belong strictly to either kingdom but form a separate class. The total number of identified lichen species is about **20,000**.

4. **Fungi**: Fungi represent a separate kingdom and include a wide variety of organisms, from unicellular yeasts to multicellular molds. The number of identified fungal species is the highest among the groups we have discussed, totaling approximately **120,000**.

After comparing the numbers, we can conclude that the group with the highest number of identified species is **Fungi**, with **120,000** species.

Thus, the answer to the question is:
**The highest number of species in the world is represented by Fungi.**

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