Question

Which of the following is a foliose lichen?
A. Cladonia
B. Graphis
C. Parmelia
D. Lecanora

Answer 1

Hint: One of the varieties of lichen is foliose lichen which is complex organisms. The symbiotic relationship between the photosynthetic partner, typically algae, and fungi leads to the arrival of foliose lichen. A flattened leaf-like organism that has a distinct upper and lower surface is called foliose lichen.

Complete answer: Parmelia belongs to the family Parmeliaceae and is a genus of foliose lichen. Parmelia has two distinct upper and lower surfaces. The upper surface of the Parmelia appears pale bluish-gray to light brown when exposed directly to sunlight and shows the presence of network web-like ridges and depressions. The lower surface of the Parmelia is black in color and has rhizines that are anchoring it to the substrate. The caterpillars consume Parmelia as food. -Cladonia belongs to the family Cladoniaceae. It is a moss-like lichen. Cladonia is a primary source of food for animals like reindeer. The antibiotics which are extracted from some species of Cladonia are used in antibiotic cream. Cladonia stellaris which is light green in color is used in flower decoration.
-The lichen Graphis belongs to the family Graphidaceae of genus lichenized fungi. Various species of Graphics are Graphis scripta, Graphis duccio, and Graphis caribica.
-Lecanora belongs to the genus lichen. They are commonly called rim lichens. Trebouxia photobiont, colorless ascospores, crystals, and crustose thallus are present in Lecanora.
Therefore, it is clear that Parmelia is a foliose lichen. So, option C is the correct option.

Note: Due to the symbiotic relationship formed by foliose lichen they can survive in diverse climatic conditions such as cold, dry mountains, wetlands, and warm valleys. Foliose lichens are extremely sensitive to atmospheric pollution. The Sulphur dioxide present in atmospheric pollution causes decreases in the rate of their respiration as it affects the chlorophyll pigment.