1 Answers
The given picture represents Lichens.
1. Lichen is an association of an alga and fungus.
2. It is the best example of symbiosis or mutualism.
3. They are found in extreme environments like snow clad poles.
4. The algal component of lichen is phycobiont, mostly belongs to cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) or green algae and fungal component is mycobiont.
5. Algae prepares the food and supplies it to the fungal component, while fungal component provides shelter to algae and also absorbs water and minerals for algae.
6. The association is intense and it is difficult to identify them as separate living beings.
7. They are very sensitive to pollutions, hence not found in polluted areas.
8. They are used as pollution indicators.
9. They play an important role in soil formation by using specific acid productions.
[Note: Lichens cannot be categorized as acellular organisms]