Question

Consider the following organisms. Lichen, Mushroom, Cuscuta, Grass, Pitcher plant. Which of these is (a) An Autotrophic (b) A parasite (c) Saprophyte (d) symbiotic plant (e) Insectivores

Answer 1

Given organisms are of the following types:

• An Autotrophic: The organisms which can produce their own food with sunlight, water, and Carbon dioxide. The grass is an example of an autotrophic organism.
• A parasite: The organisms which live on a host organism and take their food from their host. Cuscuta is an example of a parasite organism.
• Saprophyte: The organisms which feed on dead organisms or decaying matter are called saprophytes. Mushroom is an example of saprophyte organisms.
• Symbiotic plant: Organisms that live together in harmony with another organism are Symbiotic plants. Lichen is an example of a symbiotic plant.
• Insectivores plants: the organisms which feed on other insects are called insectivores plants. The pitcher plant is an example of insectivores plants.

Answer 2

Answer:

(a) An Autotroph- Grass

(b) A parasite- Cuscuta

(c) Saprophyte-Mushroom

(d) Symbiotic plant-Lichen

(e) Insectivores-Pitcher plant

Explanation:

a) Autotrophs represent the living organism or plants that can prepare their foods. As grasses perform photosynthesis they are autotrophic.

b) Parasites are organisms that are dependent on the host body for nutrition. Cuscuta are agriculturally stem parasites that derive water and nutrients from the host plant.

c) Saprophytes are organisms living and feeding on the dead and decaying matter. These are crucial to soil biology. They are decomposers and essential for the ecosystem. Thus mushroom is a saprophyte.

d) Lichen is the symbiotic association of algae(algal component or phycobiont) and a fungus (fungal component or mycobiont). These are the pollution indicators. Both these life forms mutually help each other with nutrition.

e) Pitcher plant is an insectivorous or carnivorous plant that usually traps insects, ants, beetles, slugs, snails, wasps or beetles, etc, and absorbs the essential nutrient for survival by breaking down them.