In the diagram, the importance of the association to the fungus is that it obtains

The importance of the association between the fungus and the algae in the diagram is that the fungus obtains oxygen and carbohydrates from the algae. The association between the fungus and the algae is called a mutualistic relationship, which means that both organisms benefit from the relationship. In this case, the algae photosynthesize and produce carbohydrates using energy from the sun. Some of these carbohydrates are transferred to the fungus, which cannot photosynthesize on its own. In return, the fungus provides a protected environment for the algae to grow and reproduce. The fungus also absorbs minerals and water from the surrounding soil and makes them available to the algae. Therefore, the main benefit that the fungus receives from the association with the algae is a source of energy in the form of carbohydrates and oxygen.