Question

Lichen is considered a good example of obligate mutualism. Explain.

Answer 1

1. Lichen is a good example of obligate mutualism because it is a symbiotic association between two organisms: a fungus (mycobiont) and an alga or cyanobacterium (phycobiont).
2. The fungus provides shelter, moisture, and nutrients to the alga, while the alga performs photosynthesis to produce food that both organisms use.
3. This association is obligate, as both partners depend on each other for survival and cannot live independently for long.
4. Hence, lichen exemplifies obligate mutualism, where both partners benefit and are interdependent.