🤩 Are you LICHEN the lichens?! But… what is a lichen?! They are a composite organism, where fungus and algae or cyanobacteria partner in a mutually beneficial relationship. The fungus provides structure, protection, and moisture retention, while the algae or cyanobacteria produces food through photosynthesis. Lichens grow all around the world on rocks, vegetation, soil, fences, and sidewalks. They grow very slowly, sometimes only a few millimeters per year, and many species live for decades or

From craggy deserts to pebbly vistas, the landscape of lichens is beautifully diverse—if you take a close look. Meet the lichenologist who captures these micro-topographies. | Science Friday