1 Fungus were the first inhabitants of land because they A

1) Fungus were the first inhabitants of land because they ______.

A) Didnt need sunlight

B) Required Gamma radiation

C) Secrete acid to erode rocks into soils

D) All of the above

Solution

Choice D is correct.

Reason: The environment of the primitive earth was highly ionizing, hot and acidic in nature. Although radiations were present, sunlight was not abundant due to thick gaseous clouds. The surface substratum was made up of rocks and soft soil was not available. Fungi could survive in that environment beacuse of their capabilities to sustain ionizing radiation. Due to their saprophytic nature, they did not need fresh food materials and could break hard rocks by secreting acids. Thus, these properties together helped fungi to survive in the harsg environment of primitive earth.