Which relationship does Lichen show?

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  1. Commensalism
  2. Parasitism
  3. Mutualism
  4. Amensalism

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Mutualism
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The correct answer is Mutualism

Explanation:

  • Lichens are symbiotic associations between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. This partnership is a classic example of mutualism, where both organisms benefit from each other.
  • The fungus provides the structure and protection for the algae or cyanobacteria, while the algae or cyanobacteria perform photosynthesis to produce food that benefits the fungus.
  • Lichens can thrive in harsh environments where neither the fungus nor the algae could survive alone, such as on rocks, tree bark, and other exposed surfaces.

Other Options:

  • Commensalism: This is an interaction where one organism benefits, and the other is neither helped nor harmed. An example would be barnacles on a whale. 
  • Parasitism: In parasitism, one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other organism (the host). An example would be tapeworms in the intestines of animals. 
  • Amensalism: This is a type of interaction where one organism is inhibited or destroyed while the other remains unaffected. An example would be the release of antibiotics by fungi that kill surrounding bacteria. 

Additional Information

Species A Species B Name of Interactions Examples
+ + Mutualism Fungi and root of a higher plant in Mycorrtizae
- - Competition A Leopard and a Lion in a forest/grassland

+

- Predation In the rocky intertidal communities of the American Pacific Coast the starfish Pisaster is an important predator.

+

- Parasitism A Cuckoo laying egg in a Crow's nest (Brood Parasitism)
+ 0 Commensalism A cattle egret and a Cattle in a field
- 0 Amensalism Grazing cattle and insects. When cattle graze in grass, birds eat the insects, but the cattle are unharmed.
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