All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Which is used as an Air pollution indicator?

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2016 (Tier 1) Previous Year Question Paper (11-Sep-2016) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is

Lichens

The correct answer is Lichens.

Lichens are composite organisms consisting of a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium. They are extremely sensitive to air pollution, particularly sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and ozone (O3). These pollutants can damage or kill the sensitive algal component of the lichen, leading to a decline in lichen populations or changes in lichen species composition. Because of their sensitivity, the presence, absence, or type of lichen species in a particular area can serve as a good indicator of air quality. Healthy, diverse lichen communities suggest clean air, while a lack of lichens or the presence of only pollution-tolerant species suggests air pollution. Scientists use the abundance and diversity of lichen species as a bioindicator to monitor and assess air quality in an area, offering a cost-effective and relatively simple way to evaluate environmental health. The absence of lichens, particularly in areas where they would normally thrive, is a strong sign of air pollution.

Algae, fungi, and bacteria, while affected by environmental conditions, are not as sensitive or reliable indicators of air pollution as lichens because of their greater tolerance to a wider range of pollutants and environmental stresses. Their presence or absence is not strongly correlated with air quality in the same way as lichens.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Which one of the following weeds is effective in controlling water pollution caused by industrial effluents?

  2. Sullage water is ______

  3. One of the best solutions to get rid of non-biodegradable waste is


Important Questions from Environmental pollution

  1. Which of the following is a water pollutant?
  2. Which of the following vehicles are exempted from BSVI and BSIV compliance?
     

  3. The functions of the Central Pollution Control Board is laid down under  _______ of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

  4. In which year was the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act enacted?
  5. The presence of any solid, liquid or gaseous substance that tends to pollute the environment is called__________.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
SSC CPO
November 23, 2026
SSC CHSL
November 30, 2026
Test Series
SSC CGL img
SSC
SSC CGL (Tier I + Tier II) 2026 Mock Test Series - Latest Pattern
2509 Tests 6 Tests Free
8926 Attempts
4.2(945)
English, Hindi
More Questions from SSC CGL

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App