Indian Lichens

Description: Test your knowledge about Indian Lichens, a fascinating group of organisms that play a crucial role in various ecosystems.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indian lichens biodiversity ecology
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What is the primary mode of reproduction in lichens?

  1. Sexual reproduction

  2. Asexual reproduction

  3. Both sexual and asexual reproduction

  4. Fragmentation


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Lichens exhibit both sexual and asexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction involves the production of spores, while asexual reproduction occurs through fragmentation or the formation of specialized structures like soredia or isidia.

Which of the following is NOT a major group of lichens?

  1. Crustose lichens

  2. Foliose lichens

  3. Fruticose lichens

  4. Squamulose lichens


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Squamulose lichens are not a recognized major group of lichens. The three main groups are crustose, foliose, and fruticose lichens.

What is the primary role of lichens in the ecosystem?

  1. Primary producers

  2. Decomposers

  3. Nitrogen fixers

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Lichens play multiple roles in the ecosystem. They are primary producers, synthesizing organic matter through photosynthesis. They also act as decomposers, breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients into the soil. Additionally, some lichens have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it available to other organisms.

Which lichen species is commonly known as 'Old Man's Beard'?

  1. Usnea longissima

  2. Cladonia rangiferina

  3. Xanthoria parietina

  4. Lobaria pulmonaria


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Usnea longissima, also known as 'Old Man's Beard,' is a fruticose lichen characterized by its long, hair-like strands that hang from tree branches.

What is the significance of lichens in terms of air quality?

  1. They absorb pollutants from the air.

  2. They release oxygen into the air.

  3. They help in cloud formation.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Lichens play a crucial role in air quality by absorbing pollutants like heavy metals and nitrogen oxides from the atmosphere. They also release oxygen through photosynthesis and contribute to cloud formation by releasing water vapor into the air.

Which lichen species is commonly used as a food source in some parts of the world?

  1. Cladonia rangiferina

  2. Xanthoria parietina

  3. Lobaria pulmonaria

  4. Parmelia sulcata


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Cladonia rangiferina, also known as 'reindeer lichen,' is a widely distributed lichen species that serves as a primary food source for reindeer and caribou in Arctic and subarctic regions.

What is the primary role of lichens in the nitrogen cycle?

  1. Nitrogen fixation

  2. Nitrification

  3. Denitrification

  4. Ammonification


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Lichens play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and converting it into a usable form for plants and other organisms. This process is essential for maintaining the balance of nitrogen in ecosystems.

Which lichen species is commonly known as 'Wolf Lichen'?

  1. Letharia vulpina

  2. Cladonia rangiferina

  3. Xanthoria parietina

  4. Lobaria pulmonaria


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Letharia vulpina, also known as 'Wolf Lichen,' is a foliose lichen characterized by its large, lobed thallus and bright yellow-orange color.

What is the primary role of lichens in the carbon cycle?

  1. Carbon sequestration

  2. Carbon release

  3. Carbon cycling

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Lichens play a significant role in the carbon cycle by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their tissues. This process helps regulate the global carbon balance and mitigate climate change.

Which lichen species is commonly used as a dye in traditional textile industries?

  1. Roccella tinctoria

  2. Cladonia rangiferina

  3. Xanthoria parietina

  4. Lobaria pulmonaria


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Roccella tinctoria, also known as 'Dyer's Lichen,' is a fruticose lichen that has been traditionally used as a source of natural dyes, particularly for producing purple and red colors.

What is the primary role of lichens in the rock cycle?

  1. Weathering of rocks

  2. Formation of rocks

  3. Erosion of rocks

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Lichens play a crucial role in the rock cycle by weathering rocks through the release of organic acids and other compounds. This process helps break down rocks into smaller particles, making them more susceptible to erosion and further weathering.

Which lichen species is commonly known as 'Lungwort Lichen'?

  1. Lobaria pulmonaria

  2. Cladonia rangiferina

  3. Xanthoria parietina

  4. Parmelia sulcata


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Lobaria pulmonaria, also known as 'Lungwort Lichen,' is a foliose lichen characterized by its large, lobed thallus and intricate patterns on its surface.

What is the primary role of lichens in the soil ecosystem?

  1. Soil formation

  2. Soil stabilization

  3. Nutrient cycling

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Lichens play a crucial role in the soil ecosystem by contributing to soil formation, stabilizing soil structure, and facilitating nutrient cycling. They help break down organic matter, release nutrients into the soil, and create microhabitats for other organisms.

Which lichen species is commonly known as 'Reindeer Lichen'?

  1. Cladonia rangiferina

  2. Xanthoria parietina

  3. Lobaria pulmonaria

  4. Parmelia sulcata


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Cladonia rangiferina, also known as 'Reindeer Lichen,' is a fruticose lichen that serves as a primary food source for reindeer and caribou in Arctic and subarctic regions.

What is the primary role of lichens in the water cycle?

  1. Water filtration

  2. Water storage

  3. Water release

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Lichens play a crucial role in the water cycle by filtering pollutants from water, storing water in their tissues, and releasing water vapor into the atmosphere through photosynthesis. They contribute to the overall balance and regulation of the water cycle.

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