Which of the following groups of organisms help in keeping the environment clean?

Correct option is A

Bacteria and fungi play a crucial role in maintaining environmental cleanliness by breaking down organic matter. They act as decomposers, recycling nutrients in ecosystems by decomposing dead plants, animals, and other organic materials. This decomposition process helps to keep the environment clean by preventing the accumulation of waste and promoting nutrient cycling.

Important Key Points:

1. Bacteria and fungi are primary decomposers that break down organic material.
2. This decomposition process releases essential nutrients like nitrogen and carbon back into the soil and atmosphere.
3. Fungi, especially, break down tough organic materials like cellulose in plant matter.
4. Bacteria are involved in processes like nitrogen fixation and decomposition of dead matter, contributing to soil fertility.
5. These organisms help in bioremediation, where they degrade pollutants and clean up contaminated environments.

Information Booster:

• Algae and Protozoa (Option b): Algae contribute to oxygen production and act as primary producers, but they do not play a significant role in decomposition. Protozoa are involved in food webs but are not major decomposers.
• Protozoa and Lichens (Option c): Lichens are symbiotic organisms that act as bioindicators of pollution but do not directly decompose organic matter. Protozoa are mainly consumers in food chains.
• Algae and Lichens (Option d): Algae are important for oxygen production, and lichens help in monitoring air quality but are not involved in cleaning through decomposition.