Most of the lichens consist of (a) green algae and ascomycetes (b) brown algae and higher plant (c) blue green algae and basidiomycetes (d) red algae and ascomycetes.
Option A Lichens are peculiar dual organisms produced by the intimate association of two organisms – a fungus and an alga. The association between the two organisms is called symbiosis. On the basis of fungal partner, lichens are of 2 types : (i) Ascolichens : In which ascomycetes member is the fungal partner. Further in ascolichens, algal partner is mostly member of green algae and rarely bluegreen algae. (ii) Basidiolichens : Where basidiomycetes member is fungal partner. In them algal partner is generally bluegreen algae. In 80% cases algal partner is member of green algae or chlorophyceae and in 20% cases, bluegreen algae or myxophyceae. Important members of green algae found in lichens are: Trebauxia, Pleurococcus, Trentepohlia and Cladophora.
