Lichens: An Important Part of Ecosystem

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Many people think lichens look like plants However, scientists say they’re part of the fungus kingdom. That’s because lichens are composite organisms that always include at least one fungus and one alga. In some cases, three separate organisms might come together to form a lichen.

Why do fungi and algae go so well together? They have a mutually symbiotic relationship. You may have heard that term in school. It means each of them benefits from their partnership. The fungus helps the alga survive outside of water. it also provides protection from sunlight. For its part, the alga uses photosynthesis to make food. This further helps the lichen to thrive.

Experts believe there are about 15000 species that can survive in a number of habitats. Many lichens prefer to live near coasts. That’s because they absorb water from foggy climates. However, many varieties are very good at storing water and can thrive in drier areas. Lichens have been known to grow in deserts and even polar regions.

They can also survive on rocks. You might have seen lichen growing on human-made objects, like houses and bridges. They grow very slowly as pieces of the lichen break off and start growing nearby.

Lichens are also an important part of their ecosystems. They play a vital role in soil creation. They also become food for many animals. In arctic regions, lichens are sometimes harvested by the Sami People to feed their reindeer.