What is Lichen

What is Lichen?

Certain fungal species team up with with algal plant cells to form lichens. In a lichen the alga gets protection and moisture: the fungus gets food that the alga makes by photosynthesis. This is a winning combination; lichens are able to thrive in extreme conditions. They can also provide food for animals like caribou which survive northern winters by feeding largely on lichens like the misnamed Reindeer "Moss". [CH] {FW}