Fungal Lichens

Fungal lichens are a symbiotic relationship between a type of fungus and algae, sometimes cyanobacteria, which is found around the world. Lichens are some of the most hardy organisms and can be found in a variety of habitats including desert, temperate, and arctic regions. They are important biological indicators of environmental health, providing an early warning of climate change, air pollution, and habitats disturbances. Additionally, they provide a valuable food source for small animals. In some regions they are used as traditional medicines and dyes. The fungi component of the lichen helps the algae component extract nutrients from the environment and the algae component of the lichen produces food for the fungus component. By studying the complex relationships between the two components of a lichen, we can gain a better understanding of interactions between organisms and their environment.