What is Lichen?

Lichen is a unique living organism that is found in all corners of the world and is actually composed of two different organisms working and living together. It is made of a fungus and algae and is capable of surviving and reproducing in extreme environmental conditions, such as low levels of moisture, very little light, soaring temperatures and even acidic soil or rock. Even though it lives in areas with extreme conditions, lichens are responsible for helping to pave the way for other forms of life to form and grow.

Formation and Unique Characteristics

The fungal partner and the algal partner fuse together and form a new organism when they team up to create lichen. This organism is capable of absorbing water and nutrients directly from its environment as it has no roots. The algal partner contains chlorophyll which is vital in helping it to be able to make food and get the energy that it needs to survive. The fungi part of the lichen helps it to be able to capture water and minerals from the air and soil. These two parts need to work together in order for the lichen to survive.

Identifying Lichen

Lichens are identified by the type of algae found on the lichen which can be green, purple, brown, or black. Lichen can be identified by its shape, size, and color. There are also certain environmental factors that can determine if you are looking at a lichen or not, such as the amount of light and the level of moisture present. Some lichens are also very slow growing, taking years to reach their full size.

Lichen is a beautiful organism that is full of interesting facts and has a vital role in the environment. It helps to break down, enrich, and cycle nutrients in the environment, while also paving the way for other forms of life. It is unique in the way that two types of organisms can work together to form one single organism and can be identified by its size, shape, and color.