As you read in this chapter, fungi have long formed symbiotic associations with plants and with algae. How may these two types of associations lead to emergent properties in biological communities

Fungi show symbiotic association with algae and plants. With plants, they thrive as endophytes in a form of the symbiotic association. This symbiotic association results in the emergence of novel characteristics in the world of biology.  

The lichens function as a tool in finding the quality of air, as they grow in the environment containing good air quality. The tolerance towards heat is another characteristic. Some of the endophytes are witnessed in the plants, which grow in very hot conditions.  

At such conditions, no fungi or plant can thrive, however, in the symbiotic association, they possess the tendency to thrive. If one tries to separate them, it results in the death of both.    

Explanation:

c should be the answer