Lichen

symbiosis · fungi · survival · nature's partnership

Two living things together. A lichen is made of a fungus and algae (or cyanobacteria) living as partners. The fungus provides structure and protection, while the algae make food using sunlight, so both benefit.

Lives almost everywhere. Lichens are super tough and can survive on bare rocks, in deserts, on tree bark, and even in freezing Arctic places where almost nothing else grows.

First symbiosis example. Lichens were the first organisms that helped scientists understand symbiosis, the amazing idea that two different living things can work together to survive better.

Incredibly slow growers. Lichens grow super slowly, sometimes only millimeters per year, but they can live for hundreds or even thousands of years.

Thousands of colors. Lichens come in amazing colors like bright orange, pale green, white, and gray, which makes them easy to spot on rocks and trees.