Previous year MCQs

Environment & Ecology UPPSC 2019 GS-I
Question

Which one of the following is the well known example of bioindicator of air pollution?

Answer & Solution

Answer: (Detailed Solution Below)

Option A: Lichens

Detailed Solution:

The correct answer is “Lichens”.
Lichens are a well-known example of bioindicator of air pollution.

Lichens are symbiotic organisms consisting of a fungus and an alga or a cyanobacterium that are very sensitive to air pollution.

They absorb nutrients and moisture from the air, making them very good indicators of air quality.

When the air is polluted, the lichens are affected and their growth and development are impacted.

Therefore, by monitoring the growth and health of lichens in an area, scientists can assess the level of air pollution in that area. Other bioindicators of air pollution include mosses, certain insects, and birds.

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