A lichen is a combination of fungus and algae that lives on the sides of trees, rocks, and other materials. The fungus provides the algae with water and minerals and the algae uses the water and minerals to make food for both organisms. What BEST describes the ecological relationship in this example?

A.A competition relationship, because the fungus competes with the algae for the same limited resources.

B.A commensalism relationship, because the fungus benefits and the algae is neither helped nor harmed.

C.A mutualism relationship, because the fungus and algae both benefit from the relationship.

D.A predator-prey relationship, because the fungus benefits from the relationship while the algae is consumed as food.