Lichen is usually cited as an example of ‘symbiosis’ in plants where an algal and a fungal species live together for their mutual benefit. Which of the following will happen if algal and fungal partners are separated from each other? (a) Both will survive and grow normally and independent from each other. (b) Both will die (c) Algal component will survive while the fungal component will die. (d) Fungal component will survive while algal partner will die. Based on your answer how do you justify this association as symbiosis Eduinfy.com

NCERT Solution: Plant Kingdom

Lichen is usually cited as an example of ‘symbiosis’ in plants where an algal and a fungal species live together for their mutual benefit. Which of the following will happen if algal and fungal partners are separated from each other? (a) Both will survive and grow normally and independent from each other. (b) Both will die (c) Algal component will survive while the fungal component will die. (d) Fungal component will survive while algal partner will die. Based on your answer how do you justify this association as symbiosis

NCERT Exampler

Ans. Option ‘b’ is the correct option, i.e. both will die.
Symbiosis: This is defined as a relationship between two organisms in which both the organisms get benefit from each other. There can be many examples of symbiotic relationship in which removal of one may not result in death of another partner. For example; in case of symbiotic relationship between a bird and a buffalo, the worms and insects on buffalo’s back are not the only source of food for the bird. Similarly, there can
be some other ways for the buffalo to get rid of those pests.
But in case of lichen; both the fungal and algal components depend on each other for their basic needs. In this case, alga is the only source of food for the fungal component.
Similarly, fungus is the only source of water and minerals for the alga. They have no alternative means to fulfill their need and hence in case of removal of any one partner, another partner would die.

Since it is a relationship of mutual benefit hence it will still be called symbiosis.