No, lichens are not solely fungal; they are a composite organism.
What Are Lichens?
Lichens are fascinating examples of symbiotic relationships in nature. They are not a single organism but rather a partnership between two different life forms: a fungus and an alga (or sometimes a cyanobacterium). The key point is that both organisms are necessary to make the structure we recognize as a lichen.
The Fungal Partner
- The fungus is the dominant partner in this relationship, which means it gives the lichen its overall shape, form, and structure (also known as the thallus).
- It determines how it attaches to surfaces and even produces the fruiting bodies that lichens use for reproduction.
The Algal Partner
- The alga (or cyanobacterium) is the photosynthesizing partner.
- This means that the algal part produces food through photosynthesis, providing the fungal partner with essential sugars and other nutrients.
Symbiotic Relationship
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| Fungus | Provides structure, shape, attachment, reproduction |
| Alga | Provides food through photosynthesis |
The partnership between these two organisms is what makes lichens unique. They function as a single unit and are often classified as a unique type of organism. It's important to remember that the fungus is not a lichen on its own, and the alga is not a lichen on its own, it's the combination that forms the lichen.
