Infectious and free $\text{RNA}$ particles having low molecular weight were discovered by $:-$

Read the following statements carefully and identify correct statements $w.r.t.$ Lichens:
$a.$ The association cannot tolerate air pollution,especially due to sulphur dioxide.
$b.$ Lichens are annuals and their growth is slow.
$c.$ The fungal partner mostly belongs to Ascomycetes.
$d.$ Soredia are most efficient means of asexual reproduction.
$e.$ Orchids seldom occur without this association.
$f.$ Foliose lichens are pioneers of succession in a water body.

Which infectious agents are smaller than viruses?

Lichens reproduce asexually by which of the following methods?

Assertion $A$: Viruses are considered as a link between living and non-living organisms.
Reason $R$: Viruses are non-living,but they are obligate parasites in living cells.
Which option is correct for Assertion $A$ and Reason $R$?

$M_{12}$ phage is