Which of the following is a Bioindicator of air pollution?

The correct answer is Lichen.

Key Points

• Lichens are highly sensitive to air pollution, especially sulfur dioxide (SO₂).
• They are a symbiotic association between fungus and algae or cyanobacteria, which makes them unique organisms.
• Lichens absorb water and nutrients from the atmosphere, which makes them excellent indicators of air quality.
• In areas with high levels of air pollution, lichens tend to disappear, making their presence or absence a good bioindicator.
• Studies and surveys on lichen populations are used to monitor and assess the environmental health of a region.

 Additional Information

• Moss
  • Mosses can also be used as bioindicators, but they are more commonly used to indicate the quality of soil and water rather than air.
  • They are less sensitive to air pollution compared to lichens.
• Algae
  • Algae are primarily indicators of water quality and are not typically used as indicators of air pollution.
  • They can indicate nutrient levels and water pollution in aquatic environments.