Photosynthetic and Saprophytic Organisms


Photosynthetic organisms are those that can produce their own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water through the process of photosynthesis. Saprophytic organisms, on the other hand, obtain their nutrition by decomposing dead organic matter. Let's analyze the given options to determine which pairs include photosynthetic and saprophytic organisms respectively.

Option A: Monocot and dicot
Monocots and dicots are types of flowering plants and both are photosynthetic organisms. Therefore, this pair does not include saprophytic organisms.

Option B: Algae and fungi

Algae are photosynthetic organisms that can be found in various aquatic environments. They use chlorophyll and other pigments to carry out photosynthesis and produce their own food. Algae play a crucial role in the production of oxygen and are a primary source of food for many aquatic organisms.


Fungi, on the other hand, are saprophytic organisms. They obtain their nutrition by decomposing dead organic matter. Fungi secrete enzymes that break down complex organic compounds into simpler forms, which can be absorbed by the fungi. They play an important role in the decomposition process and nutrient recycling in ecosystems.

Therefore, the pair "Algae and fungi" includes both photosynthetic and saprophytic organisms.

Option C: Mosses and ferns

Mosses are non-vascular plants that reproduce through spores. They are photosynthetic organisms and are often found in moist environments. However, they do not possess true roots, stems, or leaves like vascular plants.


Ferns are vascular plants that reproduce through spores. They are also photosynthetic organisms and are commonly found in moist and shady habitats. Ferns have true roots, stems, and leaves.

Both mosses and ferns are photosynthetic organisms and do not possess saprophytic characteristics.

Option D: Ferns and gymnosperms

As mentioned earlier, ferns are photosynthetic organisms and do not possess saprophytic characteristics.


Gymnosperms are a group of vascular plants that produce naked seeds (seeds not enclosed in a fruit). Examples of gymnosperms include conifers (e.g., pine trees) and cycads. Gymnosperms are photosynthetic organisms and do not exhibit saprophytic characteristics.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B: Algae and fungi. Algae are photosynthetic organisms, while fungi are saprophytic organisms.

Correct option is B because Algae do photosynthesis and Fungi is saprotroph which survive on Algae for process of Symbiosis .