Which aspect of lichen biology is not relevant to the use of lichens as air quality indicators?
A) Individual lichens grow very slowly and live a long time.
B) Lichen fungi take up minerals and other materials from wind-borne particles.
C) Some species of lichens die in response to air pollution, while others do not.
D) Some species of lichens grow more slowly in response to air pollution, while others do not.
E) Lichens obtain carbon via photosynthesis of algal cells that live within them.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lichens are used as air quality indicators because of their sensitivity to air pollution, which affects their growth and survival. The fact that lichens obtain carbon via photosynthesis of algal cells within them (E) is not directly relevant to their use as air quality indicators. This aspect relates to their basic biology and how they obtain energy, rather than their response to air pollution.

Which Aspect of Lichen Biology Is Not Relevant to the Use