What is a lichen?

Lichens are actually made up of two or more different organisms.

The two (or sometimes more0 organisms live together. Each of them give the other what they need. This relationship is called  symbiosis.

So you can think of lichen as a successful partnership, between:

• a fungus
• an algae and/or cyanobacteria.

The fungus needs carbohydrate as a food source. The algae or cyanobacteria need shelter.

The algae/cyanobacteria are photosynthetic and Social can and do make food for the fungus. The fungus provides the shelter. It’s a great partnership that works.

You can find lichen on trees or down near the shore on rocks. They come in an amazing different array of colours.