Read the following passage.
A. Lichens are partnerships between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria that crust rocks, drape from trees, or carpet tundra soils. On the Arctic and alpine tundra, mat-forming lichens can dominate ground cover where vascular plants struggle with cold and short seasons. Growth is often only millimetres per year, so a thick mat may represent decades of undisturbed time. Many lichens are sensitive to air pollution and trampling. A careful description of tundra lichens starts with what it is before listing exceptions. In Canadian settings, tundra lichens shows up in both large cities and smaller communities.
B. Caribou dig through snow to reach lichen mats that provide winter carbohydrates when green plants are scarce. Heavy grazing or repeated digging can thin mats that take years to recover. Climate shifts that change snow crust hardness affect how easily caribou reach forage. Herders and biologists both watch lichen condition as a clue to winter range quality. When equipment or schedules fail, staff adjust routines so the public still gets clear guidance.
C. Researchers photograph permanent plots and measure mat thickness to estimate growth and disturbance. Some lichens fix nitrogen, slightly enriching poor soils for neighbouring plants. Traditional knowledge identifies species used for dye, medicine, or emergency food, with careful harvest rules. Museum collections preserve specimens that document range changes over a century.
D. Industrial dust, heavy metals, and acid rain can kill sensitive species near smelters or busy roads. Conservation plans for caribou often include limits on winter road traffic across rich lichen ranges. Hikers are asked to stay on trails so boots do not shred fragile mats. Classroom kits use hand lenses to show the dual nature of lichen partnerships up close. Future upgrades will likely focus on clearer communication as much as new hardware.
E. Not given in any of the above paragraphs.
Decide which paragraph, A to D, has the information given in each statement below. Select E if the information is not given in any of the paragraphs.