Question

select the correct answer. a lichen is an organism that structurally appears to be a single organism. but a lichen is actually two different organisms—a fungus and green algae—living together as one organism. the fungal partner derives its nutrition from the photosynthesizing algae. how does a lichen differ in its photosynthetic activity from elysia chlorotica, the sea slug thats considered to be a photosynthesizing animal? a. in lichens, the fungi photosynthesize on their own, while elysia chlorotica forms a relationship with a photosynthesizing plant. b. in lichens, the relationship with the algae lasts throughout the life cycle, but in elysia chlorotica, the relationship occurs only during the immature juvenile stage of the slugs life cycle. c. lichens can photosynthesize only because of the living algal partner, while elysia chlorotica incorporates chloroplasts from algae into its cells. d. in lichens, the association between the fungi and algae is permanent, while elysia chlorotica associates with a photosynthesizing organism only when it requires food.

Explanation:

Lichens are a symbiotic relationship where the fungus depends on the photosynthesizing algae for nutrition. Elysia chlorotica incorporates chloroplasts from algae into its cells to perform photosynthesis. Fungi in lichens cannot photosynthesize on their own. The relationship in lichens is permanent in terms of the symbiotic nature for photosynthesis - the living algal partner is essential. Elysia chlorotica takes up and retains chloroplasts from algae within its cells.

Answer:

C. Lichens can photosynthesize only because of the living algal partner, while Elysia chlorotica incorporates chloroplasts from algae into its cells.