Lichens, a Combination of Fungi and Certain Algae, Live Together

question 48

Essay

Lichens, a combination of fungi and certain algae, live together in a close community interaction. The traditional understanding of lichen is one where the algae produces food for the fungi and the fungi supply the algae with a suitable home. Recently, however, it was found that the algae can live just fine on their own and are also found living "alone" in nature. The fungi on the other hand do not appear to live on their own in the "wild." Which type of interaction characterizes the "traditional" understanding of lichen? Why? Which type of interaction does the new research suggest? Why?

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Definitions:

Law of Effect

A psychological principle stating that behaviors followed by positive outcomes are likely to be repeated, while those followed by negative outcomes are less likely to be repeated.

Skinner

B.F. Skinner, an American psychologist and behaviorist, well-known for his work in operant conditioning and behavior analysis.

Pavlov

A psychologist known for his work on classical conditioning, demonstrating how stimuli can trigger conditioned responses.

Potential Behavior

The range of actions or conduct that an organism is capable of performing, given the right circumstances or triggers.