Chapter 20, Problem 29A

Summary Introduction

To write:The name of a living organism that is sensitive to enviromntal pollutants.

Introduction:Lichen is known as a symbiotic relationship between an alga or a photosynthetic host and the fungi. Usually the fungus is an ascomycete but basidiomycetes can also be found in lichens. The photosynthetic host is either a green algae or a cyanobacterium that supplies food to both animals.

Explanation of Solution

Lichen as bioindicators are particularly resistant to toxins from the atmosphere, because they eat all of their soil and rain water and minerals. A bioindicator is a living organism that is prone to changing environmental factors to respond to changing circumstances. The rates of air pollution in an atmosphere may be related to changes in the lichen production. As pollution decreases, the lichens populations increase.

Conclusion

The living organism that is sensitive to changing conditions in the environment is lichen.