Question

Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.

Lichens in a forest ecosystem are made up of fungi and algae living together. The fungi
benefit from food produced by the algae. The algae benefit from nutrients and water
absorbed by the fungi. Which of the following relationships in different ecosystems
is most similar to the interaction of the fungi and algae?
a. competition between algae and aquatic plants
b.commensalism between birds and trees
c.mutualism between fungi and ants
d.parasitism between fungi and humans

Answer 1

The relationship between fungi and algae in lichens is most similar to mutualism between fungi and ants, where both organisms benefit from each other.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi in the forest ecosystem depicted in lichens closely resembles mutualism between fungi and ants, as both relationships involve two species benefiting from each other. In the case of lichens, the fungi benefit from the carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis by the algae or cyanobacterium, while the algae gain nutrients and water absorbed by the fungi. Similarly, ants and termites cultivate fungus gardens with fungi that help them digest cellulose from wood or leaves, and in return, the fungi receive a habitat and nourishment. Therefore, the most similar relationship to the fungi and algae interaction in lichens, from the given options, is c. mutualism between fungi and ants.