A lichen that grows by branching is described as
(1) fruticose
(2) crustose
(3) foliose
(4) dichotose
Audio Explanation:
(1) Lichens represent an unique example of mutualism between algae and fungi. In these plants algae (phycobionts ) and fungi (mycobionts) live together in such a way that they appear as one organism. On the basis of type of thallus the lichens are divided into three type–
(i) Crustose or crustaceous: They occur as thin or thick crust over rocks, soil, tree barks etc.
(ii) Foliose or foliaceous: These are leaf like lichens, which attach to the substratum by means of special rhizoid like organs developed from lower side of thallus.
(iii) Fruticose or filamentous: Cylindrical, flat or ribbon like, branched structures attached to the substratum by their basal ends. They are shrubby lichens.
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