To determine which organisms contain matter that was once part of the lichen, we need to understand the concept of the food chain and the flow of energy in an ecosystem. Lichen is a symbiotic organism made up of a fungus and algae living together. Here's how the transfer of matter occurs:
1. Lichen: Lichen is a composite organism consisting of a fungus and algae. The fungus provides structure and protection, while the algae conduct photosynthesis to produce food. When lichen dies, it decomposes, and its matter is broken down into nutrients that enter the environment.
2. Bear Sedge: Bear sedge is a plant that could potentially absorb nutrients derived from decomposed lichen through the soil. This plant might contain matter that was once part of the lichen.
3. Bilberry: Similarly, bilberry, being a plant, could also absorb nutrients from decomposed lichen through the soil, potentially containing matter that was once part of the lichen.
Therefore, both Bear Sedge and Bilberry could contain matter that was once part of the lichen. Other organisms mentioned in the list, such as the short-tailed weasel, grizzly bear, Arctic fox, barren-ground caribou, and mushroom, are unlikely to directly contain matter that was once part of the lichen as they are not primary consumers of plants like Bear Sedge and Bilberry.
