Question

complete this quiz to finish the assignment for biology-fontenot due on sep 15, 2025
question 1 of 5
why is mutualism important for lichen?
∘ lichen are composed of fungi and grasses. the grass provides food for the fungi, but gets nothing in return.
∘ lichen are composed of algae or cyanobacteria that provide food for fungi. the fungi gets nothing in return.
∘ lichen are composed of fungi and microscopic plants. the fungi sucks nutrients from the plant, which is harmed.
∘ lichen are composed of algae or cyanobacteria that provide food for fungi. the fungi provide shelter for their partner.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze mutualism in lichen:

• Lichen is a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae/cyanobacteria (not grasses or with one - sided harm).
• In mutualism, both partners benefit. Algae/cyanobacteria (photosynthetic) provide food (glucose) to fungi via photosynthesis. Fungi provide a protective, moist environment (shelter) for the algae/cyanobacteria.
• Option 1: Lichen with grasses and one - sided benefit is incorrect (not mutualism, and lichen doesn't involve grasses).
• Option 2: Fungi harming the plant is parasitism, not mutualism, and lichen's photosynthetic partner is algae/cyanobacteria, not “microscopic plants” in this parasitic - like description.
• Option 3: States fungi get nothing in return, which is not mutualism (mutualism requires both to benefit).
• Option 4: Correctly describes the mutualistic relationship: algae/cyanobacteria provide food, fungi provide shelter, with both benefiting.

Answer:

The correct option is the one with the text: "Lichen are composed of algae or cyanobacteria that provide food for fungi. The fungi provide shelter for their partner." (the fourth option among the given choices, assuming the options are ordered as presented in the image with the last option being this correct one)