Question
Read the passage. Then answer the question below. Lichen growing on a rock in coastal Maine may appear to be a single organism. But lichen is actually formed when algae and fungi grow together. These different organisms live together in a symbiotic relationship. In the yellow scale lichen the fungus provides protection moisture, and nutrients for the algae The algae carry out photosynthesis to produce food that is used by the fungus. Different type of bacteria may also live within the fungus. On a rock in coastal Maine, the fungus the algac, and the bacteria make up which of the following? Select all that apply a population part of a community part of an ecosystem
Answer
4.1
(306 Votes)
Jude
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
B. part of a community, C. part of an ecosystem
Explanation
## Step 1The question is asking to identify ecological classifications for the fungus, algae, and bacteria growing symbiotically on a rock in coastal Maine. These classifications include a population, part of a community, or part of an ecosystem. ## Step 2A 'population' in biological terms refers to a group of individuals from the same species living and interacting within a specific area. Since the organisms mentioned in the question are from different species (fungus, algae and potentially bacteria), the group cannot be termed as a population.## Step 3A 'community', on the other hand, includes all organisms— plants, bacteria, insects, mammals, etc.—of different species living in a particular habitat at the same time, interacting with each other. Both insects and plants are part of this community.## Step 4Finally, an 'ecosystem' consists of a community and its physical environment (biotic and abiotic components) interacting in such a way as to exchange energy and matter. This implies a wider scope than a community and certainly than a population. ## Step 5In this case, these species together contribute to the biological community in the specific area and furthermore are part of the larger natural ecosystem encompassing the full physical (abiotic) context surrounding them.