UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 68
Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: Lichens are a symbiosis in which a fungus partners with photosynthetic algae and/or cyanobacteria, enabling colonisation of bare rock.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - Algae and bacteria alone omit the dominant fungal partner of lichens.
B: Correct - Correct: traditional description is an alga plus fungus.
C: Incorrect - Bacteria plus fungus omits the algal photobiont in the standard account.
D: Incorrect - Moss is a separate plant group and not the typical lichen partner.
Review Note: Some lichens contain cyanobacteria rather than green algae; the textbook option remains algae and fungi.