In the nature, which of the following is/are most likely to be found surviving on a surface without soil? 1. Fern 2. Lichen 3. Moss 4. Mushroom Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Answer: C. LICHEN (2) and MOSS (3) can survive on a surface without soil. (1) FERN — WRONG. Ferns are vascular plants with ROOTS that anchor them and absorb water and minerals. While epiphytic ferns exist (growing on tree bark), they generally need humus/decomposed organic matter or moisture-retaining substrate to thrive. Most ferns are not adapted to bare rock. (2) LICHEN — CORRECT. LICHENS are symbiotic associations between a fungus and an alga (or cyanobacterium). They are CLASSIC PIONEER ORGANISMS that colonise BARE ROCK, tree bark, and even glass — surfaces with NO SOIL. They secrete acids that slowly weather rock, contributing to soil formation. Lichens are the first life on volcanic flows, glacial moraines, and exposed rocks. (3) MOSS — CORRECT. MOSSES are NON-VASCULAR BRYOPHYTES that lack true roots. They have RHIZOIDS that anchor them to substrates and absorb water directly through their surface. Mosses can grow on BARE ROCK, TREE TRUNKS, WALLS, AND CONCRETE — anywhere with sufficient moisture and a stable surface. Like lichens, they are early colonisers in primary succession. (4) MUSHROOM — WRONG. MUSHROOMS are fruiting bodies of FUNGI that decompose organic matter. They require ORGANIC SUBSTRATE — decaying wood, dung, leaf litter, or organic-rich soil. They do NOT grow on bare mineral surfaces without organic substrate. So lichens and mosses are the prototypical 'soilless surface' colonisers — central to PRIMARY ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION. Source: NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 'Plant Kingdom' / Class 12 Biology 'Ecosystem' (succession).