Tag: adaptations to different ecosystems

Here, the given characteristics depict the features of the tiger. It is one of the topmost predators in the tropical rainforests because its unique adaptation is suitable to live in that environment. One among them is their dark fur coat, blue eyes and black stripes. Here, the black stripes are more than 100 in number and used for identification of tiger. It attacks other animals by surprise so it also knows as ambush predator and tigers are the very fastest animal.

• The ability of an organism to imitate the physiological and morphological characteristics and behavior of an unrelated organism is called as mimicry.

Lichen is a symbiotic association of fungi ( Ascomycota or basidiomycete) with an alga (Chlorophyceae or Cyanophyceae). The term Lichen was coined by Theophrastus (370-285 BC).

Lichens are a symbiotic partnership of fungus and algae. The dominant partner is the fungus, which gives the lichen the majority of its characteristics from its thallus shape to its fruiting bodies. So, thallus is foliose in lichens. Lichens occur in one of four basic growth forms. crustose, squamulose, foliose and fruticose. So, the correct answer is 'Lichens'.

The fungal part of the lichens is known as mycobiont. Cyanobacteria have a special structure known as heterocyst which is specialised to perform nitrogen fixation. It has specific enzymes like nitrogenase which actively fixes the atmospheric nitrogen to a usable form. They are autotrophic so they also fix carbon during the dark reaction of photosynthesis into organic compounds. This conversion process of inorganic carbon (carbon dioxide) to organic compounds is also known as carbon assimilation.

• The algal component carries out photosynthesis and produces carbohydrate glucose during the dark reaction of photosynthesis.
• Minerals are provided to the algal part by fungal mycelium. It absorbs water and minerals from the substratum.
• Lipids and proteins are neither supplied by algal part nor fungal part but synthesized within the organism itself.
• So the correct answer is 'Carbohydrate'.

Lichens are found in odd places which includes areas in the Arctic and Antarctic, and mountain tops. Lichens are found on soil, rock or tree bark. Some will also grow on old wood (dead branches, fence rails, etc.), masonry and cemetery headstones. Lichens are often found in extreme environments where other organisms are sparse.

• Rhizobium is a genus of bacteria associated with the formation of root nodules on plants. These bacteria live in symbiosis with legumes. They take in nitrogen from the atmosphere and pass it on to the plant, allowing it to grow in soil low in nitrogen.
  
• A lichen is a composite organism that arises from algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of multiple fungi in a symbiotic relationship. 
  
• Mycorrhizal fungi colonize the plant's root system and develop a symbiotic association called “mycorrhiza” They form a network of fine filaments that associate with plant roots and draw nutrients and water from the soil that the root system would not be able to access otherwise.
  
• Lichens, Rhizobium and Mycorrhizae  have symbiotic relationships and follow same mode of nutrition.
• So the correct answer is " All the above".