Distinguish between mycorrhizae and lichens.
Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship in which both partners are being benefited. Lichens and mycorrhizae are examples of mutualistic relationships of fungi and are ecologically important relationships.
A mutualistic relationship that exists between an algae/cyanobacterium and a fungus is known as lichen. In this relationship, one partner is responsible for the production of food by photosynthesis and the other partner is responsible for the absorption of water and providing shelter. Algae has a major contribution in the formation of lichens. Photobiont is the photosynthetic partner and the mycobiont is the fungal partner which can either be ascomycetes or basidiomycetes. Lichens can be seen on bare rocks, tree bark and are pioneer in primary succession. They can survive under extreme environments such as deserts, frozen lands etc. They are very sensitive to pollution, ozone depletion, metal contamination etc.
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