Chapter 14, Problem 5CT

Summary Introduction

To answer:

A lichen is an intimate relationship between a fungus and a photosynthetic microbe in which the fungus delivers water and minerals to its partner while the photosynthetic partner delivers sugar to the fungus. What type of symbiosis is involved?

Introduction:

Lichens are a mutual venture of fungus and cyanobacteria exists in symbiotic relation with higher organisms like trees and woods. They depend on the host for their food and nutrition and the host get water conduction and supply from the lichens as they are mass storage of water in their cells.