Lichens are: algae-like fungi. fungi that grow on the roots of plants. fungi adapted for life in rocky soil a mutualistic association of algae or photosynthetic bacteria and fungi.
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Lichens A lichen is a symbiosis between a fungus and an alga (cyanobacterium or green alga). The fungal components of most lichens are ascomycetes, and a few are basidiomycetes. Because lichens are associations of two organisms from different kingdoms, they do not readily fit into our species-based classification scheme. Lichens are often classified into three morphological types: crustose (crusty), foliose (leafy) and fruiticose (branched). The lichens provide an excellent example of the difficulties and limitations of phylogenetic classification. They also remind us that nature is remarkably complex. Above: Crustose lichens Above: Fruticose lichens Above: Foliose lichens The fungal thallus provides a protected, moist environment for the green alga or cyanobacterium. Meanwhile, the alga or bacterium helps support the fungus through photosynthetic food production. Lichens occur in some of the harshest terrestrial environments.
Leyna S.
Lichens look like moss, but they're actually two organisms - usually fungi and algae - that live together in a mutualistic relationship. The fungi provide a sheltered place for the algae to grow and reproduce. What do you think the algae offer that the fungi can't do?
Adi S.
Compact lichens are called _____; leaflike lichens are called _____; and shrublike lichens are _____. a. crustose; foliose; fruticose. b. foliose; crustose; fruticose. c. fruitcose; foliose; crustose. d. foliose; fruitcose; crustose.
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