NEET Biology: Lichens Practice Questions
15 free multiple-choice questions on Lichens (Diversity in Living World) for NEET Biology, each with the correct answer and a step-by-step explanation. Attempt a question, then reveal the solution to check your reasoning.
Practice thousands more NEET questions in the app →Q1. The presence of which type of organism is essential for the lichen to fix atmospheric nitrogen?
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Correct answer: B — Cyanobacteria
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are responsible for nitrogen fixation in many lichen species, which is crucial for their survival.
Q2. What is the primary symbiotic relationship observed in a lichen?
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Correct answer: B — Algae and Fungi
Lichens are a symbiotic association between an alga (or cyanobacterium) and a fungus.
Q3. The body of a lichen is primarily composed of which two biological entities that maintain a mutualistic relationship?
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Correct answer: C — Fungi and Algae
A lichen is a composite organism arising from a fungus (mycobiont) and an alga or cyanobacterium (photobiont). The mutualistic relationship is between the fungal partner and the photosynthetic partner (alga/cyanobacterium).
Q4. The main body of the lichen, which exhibits the characteristic branching and coloration, is known as the:
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Correct answer: D — Thallus
The thallus is the entire, often foliose or crustose, body of the lichen, which is the visible plant-like structure.
Q5. What is the primary chemical component responsible for the structural integrity of the lichen thallus?
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Correct answer: C — Lichen acids
Lichen acids (primarily oxalic acid) are crucial components that help in binding the fungal and algal tissues and providing structural support to the lichen body.
Q6. What is the primary function of the algal partner in the lichen symbiosis?
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Correct answer: D — To provide food through photosynthesis
The algal partner (photobiont) performs photosynthesis, providing the necessary organic food (carbohydrates) to the fungus.
Q7. Lichens are generally found in environments characterized by which condition?
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Correct answer: D — High humidity and exposed surfaces
Lichens are poikilohydric organisms, meaning they tolerate extreme fluctuations in moisture, typically thriving in exposed, moist environments where humidity is high.
Q8. Which component of the lichen generally provides the main structural support and framework?
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Correct answer: D — Mycobiont (Fungus)
The fungal partner (mycobiont) forms the main body and structure of the lichen, providing the framework.
Q9. Which group of organisms typically forms the photobiont component of a lichen?
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Correct answer: D — Algae
The photobiont is usually an alga (green algae or cyanobacteria) which performs photosynthesis, providing the nutritional base for the entire lichen structure.
Q10. Which term describes the complex, composite body structure formed by the interwoven hyphae of the fungus and the photosynthetic partner?
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Correct answer: C — Thallus
The entire body structure of the lichen, composed of the fungal mycelium and the algal tissue, is collectively referred to as the thallus.
Q11. The fungal partner in the lichen symbiosis is commonly referred to as the:
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Correct answer: A — Mycobiont
The fungal component is known as the mycobiont, which forms the main structure and provides protection to the photobiont.
Q12. Lichens are formed by a symbiotic association between which two types of organisms?
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Correct answer: A — Algae and Fungi
Lichens are symbiotic organisms formed by the association of a fungus (mycobiont) and an alga or cyanobacterium (photobiont).
Q13. Which of the following statements correctly describes the relationship between the fungal hyphae and the algal cells in a lichen?
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Correct answer: B — Both partners contribute essential nutrients and protection to each other.
The relationship is mutualistic; the fungus provides shelter and water, while the photobiont provides food via photosynthesis, making it a mutually beneficial interaction.
Q14. Lichens are typically found on which types of substrates?
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Correct answer: C — Moist rocks and surfaces
Lichens require stable, moist, and exposed surfaces (like rocks, bark, or soil) to thrive.
Q15. Which component of the lichen primarily provides the phototrophic nutrition to the symbiotic association?
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Correct answer: A — The algal partner
The algal partner (photobiont) is responsible for photosynthesis, providing the food material for the entire lichen structure.
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