Which are mostly anaerobic?

A. Algae

B. Mosses

C. Fungi

D. All the above

 

The correct option is C. Fungi.

1. Meaning of Anaerobic:

Anaerobic organisms are those that can live and grow without oxygen.

They obtain energy by breaking down food through processes like fermentation instead of respiration with oxygen.

2. Option A – Algae:

Algae are green, aquatic organisms that prepare their food by photosynthesis.

They require sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, and they release oxygen.

So, algae are not mostly anaerobic.

3. Option B – Mosses:

Mosses are small, non-flowering plants that also depend on photosynthesis.

They grow in moist, shady places but still need oxygen for respiration.

So, mosses are also not anaerobic.

4. Option C – Fungi:

Fungi are a large group of organisms that include molds, yeasts, and mushrooms.

Many fungi can survive without oxygen by carrying out anaerobic respiration (fermentation).

Example: Yeast converts sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide in the absence of oxygen.

Because of this, fungi are considered mostly anaerobic compared to algae and mosses.

5. Option D – All the above:

Incorrect, since only fungi show significant anaerobic activity.

Yeast (a fungus) is widely used in baking and brewing industries because of its anaerobic fermentation.

However, not all fungi are strictly anaerobic. Some are facultative anaerobes, meaning they can survive both with and without oxygen.

Among the given options, fungi are mostly anaerobic, hence the correct answer is C.