Lichens

• A lichen is a combination of two organisms: an alga (or a cyanobacterium) and a fungus
• This partnership is known as mutualism, where both organisms benefit. The fungal component provides structure and protection, while the algae or cyanobacteria conduct photosynthesis, producing food for both partners..
• Lichens are a complex life form that is asymbiotic partnership of two separate organisms,a fungus and an alga
• Lichens are important for several reasons. One of the most obvious is that they are beautiful to look at. They provide a mode of survival in harsh environments where algae cannot normally survive.
• Lichens enable algae to live all over the world in many different climates, they also provide a means to convert carbon dioxide in the atmosphere through photosynthesis into oxygen, which we all need to survive.
• WHERE CAN WE FIND LICHENS? rocks or on desert soils. However, they are usually found in shaded environments.
• What does LICHENS look like? They appear as colored, often circular patches on tree trunks and rocks.
• DIFFERENT TYPES OF LICHENS: Lichens come in a variety of forms, including fruticose(branched), crustose (crusty), foliose (leafy), leprose(powdery), and gelatinous(jelly-like). These forms vary greatly in appearance, from flat and encrusting to leafy or bushy
• Lichens may be gray, brown, black, orange, various shades of green, and another color, depending on the specific combination of algae and fungus.
• Birds use lichen to camouflage their nests. Ancient Egyptians used lichen to fill the body cavity of mummies. There are about 20,000 different species of lichens