Lichens are good indicators of A     water pollutionB     soil pollutionC     air pollutionD     water and soil pollution

Answering the Question

Lichens are symbiotic organisms composed of fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. They are particularly sensitive to environmental changes, especially air quality. The presence and health of lichen communities can provide valuable information about the levels of air pollution in an area.

1. Sensitivity to Pollutants: Lichens absorb everything from the air, including pollutants. This makes them excellent bioindicators for assessing air quality.
2. Effects of Pollution: Increased levels of sulfur dioxide and heavy metals, for instance, can negatively impact lichen growth and diversity, indicating poor air quality.
3. Regional Variability: Different lichen species have varying tolerances to pollutants, allowing for detailed assessments of air quality in specific areas.

Final Answer

C   air pollution