Which of the following statement is correct?
(1) An orchid growing as an epiphyte on a mango branch, and barnacles growing on the back of a whale is example of parasitism
(2) Lichens represent an intimate mutualistic relationship between a fungus and photosynthesising algae or cyanobacteria
(3) Cuscuta, a parasitic plant
(4) Competition is best defined as a process in which the fitness of one is significantly lower in the presence of another species
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is A

Lichen is a mutualistic relationship between a fungus and photosynthetic green algae like cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). Algae produce food through photosynthesis and fungi absorb nutrients from the soil. An orchid growing as an epiphyte on a mango branch, and barnacles growing on the back of a whale is example of commensalism.