Refer to the Figure

Multiple Choice

Refer to the figure. The figure shows three different types of lichen labeled A, B, and C.Which of these body forms would best suit a lichen contributing to new soil formation in rocky terrain; why?

A) A; the lichen adheres tightly to its substrate and can acidify its surroundings to facilitate breakdown of inorganic materials.
B) B; the lichen acts as an ectomycorrhizal fungus and can provide nutrients to germinating seeds by encasing their roots, allowing them to grow and break down the rocks.
C) C; the lichen can trap airborne particles that will eventually collect in sufficient amounts to become soil.
D) A and C; these lichens can subsist on nutrients and minerals from the air and their photosynthetic partners, and over time they will die and become new soil.
E) B and C; these lichens can subsist on nutrients and minerals from the air and their photosynthetic partners, and over time they will die and become new soil.