Q.92 Botany ⭐ 360° Option Elimination Active

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NEET 2026 Botany Question 92 Solution

Topic: Biological Classification · Official NTA Booklet Code 50

Question

Symbiotic association between fungi and algae are called.

(1)lichens
(2)sponges
(3)mycorrhiza
(4)chrysophytes

✓

Verified Against NTA Final Answer Key

Option (1) : lichens

📚 Biological Classification Easy

📋 Given Parameters & Problem Setup

Interaction Type Obligate symbiotic / mutualistic association

Partners Algae (Phycobiont) + Fungi (Mycobiont)

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The 30-Second Exam Hall Shortcut: ⚡ Phycobiont + Mycobiont = Lichen

⏱️ Save ~40 seconds

Fungi + Algae = Lichen! Fungi + Tree Roots = Mycorrhiza!

1 Identify partners: Fungi and Algae.

2 Algae synthesizes food via photosynthesis (phycobiont).

3 Fungi provides shelter, anchorage, water, and mineral absorption (mycobiont).

4 This composite symbiotic organism is universally called a LICHEN.

5 Option (1) is Lichens! Done in 5 seconds!

🛡️

Why You Can 100% Trust This Shortcut: NCERT Biological Classification verbatim: Lichens are symbiotic associations, i.e. mutually useful associations, between algae and fungi.

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Step-by-Step Rigorous Workflow & Mathematical Proof

Step 1

Define the Biological Nature of Lichens

Lichens represent a classic mutualistic symbiosis between two distinct kingdoms of organisms: an autotrophic photosynthetic partner (alga or cyanobacterium) and a heterotrophic fungal partner.

\text{Lichen} = \text{Alga (Phycobiont)} + \text{Fungus (Mycobiont)}

• Phycobiont: Green alga (Chlorophyceae) or cyanobacterium; prepares food for fungi.
• Mycobiont: Ascomycete or Basidiomycete fungus; provides shelter and absorbs water and mineral nutrients.

Step 2

Contrast with Other Options

1. Sponges: Multicellular diploblastic aquatic organisms belonging to animal Phylum Porifera. 2. Mycorrhiza: Symbiotic association between fungi and the roots of higher gymnosperms/angiosperms (e.g., Pinus). 3. Chrysophytes: Diatoms and golden algae (desmids) belonging to Kingdom Protista.

\text{Fungi} + \text{Roots} \equiv \text{Mycorrhiza}; \quad \text{Fungi} + \text{Algae} \equiv \text{Lichens}

• Option (1) is the only valid term.

Step 3

Ecological Significance

Lichens are pioneer colonizers on bare rock during ecological succession (lithosere) and serve as sensitive bioindicators of air pollution (especially SO₂).

\text{Matches Option (1): lichens}

• Matches Option (1).

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360° Option Elimination Engine Key Feature

Diagnose every choice: Know exactly why the right option works and why distractors fail.

4-Option Deep Scan

1 A

✓ 100% Correct

Verdict & Scientific Reason:

Exact biological definition of alga-fungus symbiotic association.

💡

Why this is airtight: None; fundamental biology definition.

2 B

✗ Incorrect

Verdict & Scientific Reason:

Incorrect. Sponges are invertebrate animals (Phylum Porifera).

⚠️

Student Fallacy (Why candidates pick this trap): Confusing marine sponges with lichen crusts.

3 C

✗ Incorrect

Verdict & Scientific Reason:

Incorrect. Mycorrhiza is the symbiotic association of fungi with roots of higher plants, not with algae.

⚠️

Student Fallacy (Why candidates pick this trap): Confusing the fungal partner of algae (lichen) with the fungal partner of tree roots (mycorrhiza).

4 D

✗ Incorrect

Verdict & Scientific Reason:

Incorrect. Chrysophytes are photosynthetic protists (diatoms and golden algae).

⚠️

Student Fallacy (Why candidates pick this trap): Mistaking a protist group for a symbiotic organism.

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NTA Trap Alert: Confusing Lichens with Mycorrhiza

Both lichens and mycorrhizae involve fungi in symbiosis! Remember: Fungus + Alga = Lichen; Fungus + Root = Mycorrhiza (rhiza = root).

🛡️ How to avoid the -1 mark: Associate "rhiza" with root: Myco-rrhiza is fungus with roots.

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Core NEET Syllabus Standard

NEET Biology Core Syllabus · Biological Classification Standard Benchmark

Core Scientific Principle Tested:

"Lichens are dual organisms composed of an algal phycobiont and a fungal mycobiont."

Syllabus Focus: Lichens, Viruses, and Viroids - Symbiotic mutualism

✓ Core NEET UG Syllabus Anchor Syllabus & Academic Standards ↗

Algae bakes the bread, Fungus builds the bed: That is Lichen wed!

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NEET 2026 Botany Question 92 Solution

Question

The 30-Second Exam Hall Shortcut: ⚡ Phycobiont + Mycobiont = Lichen

Step-by-Step Rigorous Workflow & Mathematical Proof

Define the Biological Nature of Lichens

Contrast with Other Options

Ecological Significance

360° Option Elimination Engine Key Feature

NTA Trap Alert: Confusing Lichens with Mycorrhiza

Core NEET Syllabus Standard

Ready to attempt under real exam pressure?

🔗 Related Questions — Biological Classification

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Whittaker's Five Kingdoms: Hierarchy of Body Organization Complexity

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Criteria for Fungal Classification: Morphology, Spores, and Fruiting Bodies

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