Explanation
- A
1 and 2 only
1 and 2 only. Protozoa also form symbioses (e.g. termite gut, coral?).
- B
2 and 3 only
2 and 3 only. Cnidarians (coral–zooxanthellae) too.
- C
1 and 3 only
1 and 3 only. Fungi (mycorrhiza, lichen) too.
- D
1, 2 and 3
All three. Coral, lichen/mycorrhiza, and protozoan endosymbionts.
Summary. Official key is (d) 1, 2 and 3. Cnidarians (coral and algae), fungi (mycorrhiza, lichen) and protozoa (gut and aquatic symbionts) all form symbiotic ties.
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.