Question

Given below are two statements
Statement I: True fungi is typically terrestrial-adapted organisms.
Statement II: True fungi possess chitin in the cell wall.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Hint:

True Fungi = Chitin + Terrestrial (usually).
Oomycetes = Cellulose + Aquatic/Moist environments.
Chitin is also found in insect exoskeletons, showing an evolutionary link.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question clarifies the fundamental biological and chemical characteristics of "True Fungi" (Kingdom Fungi/Eumycota).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Statement I Analysis: While primitive fungi like Chytrids are aquatic, the "Higher Fungi" (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota), which represent the vast majority of fungal diversity, are terrestrial.
They have evolved specialized structures like wind-dispersed spores and robust hyphae to thrive on land.
Therefore, the term "typically terrestrial-adapted" is correct for true fungi.

• Statement II Analysis: One of the defining chemical signatures of the Kingdom Fungi is the presence of chitin in their cell walls.
Chitin is a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine that provides structural rigidity.
This distinguishes "True Fungi" from "Pseudofungi" (Oomycetes), which have cellulose in their cell walls.
Therefore, Statement II is correct.
Final Answer:
Both statements correctly define the primary habitat and biochemical composition of true fungi.