Lichens

Question 1

What is the fungal and algal component of lichen called?

Answer 1

Fungal - Mycobiont
Algal - Phycobiont

Question 2

Algal - Fungal relationship is called?

Answer 2

Helotism

Question 3

Lichen are the pollution indicator of ?

Answer 3

SO2, NO2, CO , Mercury

Question 4

Do lichen purify the atmosphere?

Answer 4

Yes

Question 5

Lichen are classified into how many types on the basis of structure?

Answer 5

They are classified into 4 types on the basis of structure.
1. Crustose (Crust like)
2. Foliose (Leaf like)
3. Fruticose (Shrubby)
4. Leprose (Type of crustose)

Question 6

Lichens grow best at which season?

Answer 6

Winter

Question 7

What are the functions of fungal component in lichens?

Answer 7

• Protection
• Anchorage
• Absorption of water for algae

Question 8

What is the function of algal component in lichens?

Answer 8

• Provides food by the process of Photosynthesis
  -Carbon Fixation: By capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converting it into organic carbon, the algae provide essential nutrients that sustain the lichen’s growth and survival.

Question 9

What are the economic importance of lichens?

Answer 9

• Food : A few species of lichens are used as human food and some species of animals feed upon lichen for nutrition and survival
• Medicinal value : Several lichens are used to treat diseases like lung disease, jaundice, whooping cough and some have anti-cancer properties.
• Perfumes and cosmetics : Used in manufacture of different kinds of soaps, antiseptic creams
• Bioindicator of pollutions : Lichens grow at low pollution places due to which, it can be said that they are indicators of CO2, SO2 and other pollutants.

Question 10

Harmful effects of lichen?

Answer 10

1) Produce lichenic acid that damage the beauty of buildings
2) The lichenic acid can breakdown rocks and cause disaster
3) Some species of lichen causes allergy and races in human body