Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (D) — 1, 2 and 3
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedAll three groups contain species that engage in mutualistic/symbiotic relationships:
- Cnidarians: Corals form a classic symbiotic association with photosynthetic zooxanthellae.
- Fungi: Form mycorrhizal associations with plant roots and lichens with cyanobacteria/green algae.
- Protozoa: Form endosymbiotic associations in the guts of ruminants and wood-eating termites (e.g., Trichonympha) to help digest cellulose.
Biological extreme-elimination rule: In broad diverse taxonomic kingdoms/phyla, stating that 'not a single species can establish symbiosis' is statistically improbable. 'All of the above' is typically the correct choice for such broad capability questions.
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