Short twisted strands of hyphae which serves as anchors for lichens

Options

A. Rhizines
B. Rhizoids
C. Mycelium
D. Roots

Answer

To solve the question regarding the short twisted strands of hyphae that serve as anchors for lichens, let's break it down step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Structure**:
- Lichens are symbiotic associations between fungi and photosynthetic organisms (like algae or cyanobacteria). The fungal component is primarily responsible for the structure and stability of the lichen.

2. **Identifying Hyphae**:
- Hyphae are the filamentous structures that make up the mycelium of fungi. They can spread out and form networks, which help in nutrient absorption and anchoring.

3. **Options Analysis**:
- The question provides four options:
- Option 1: Rhizomes
- Option 2: Rhizoids
- Option 3: Mycelium
- Option 4: Roots

4. **Evaluating Each Option**:
- **Rhizomes**: These are typically underground stems that can produce new shoots and roots. They are not associated with fungi or lichens.
- **Rhizoids**: These are root-like structures found in some fungi and non-vascular plants that anchor them to the substrate. They can be twisted and serve as anchors.
- **Mycelium**: This is the entire network of hyphae in a fungus, but it does not specifically refer to the anchoring structures.
- **Roots**: These are structures in vascular plants that absorb water and nutrients, not related to lichens.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer is **Option 2: Rhizoids**. Rhizoids are short, twisted strands of hyphae that serve as anchors for lichens.

### Final Answer:
**Option 2: Rhizoids**

---