Highly adaptable
Composite organism
Community recognized
Approximately six percent of the Earth’s land surface is covered by lichens. Specimens of symbiotic survival, lichens have no roots and feed solely on oxygen, mineral-laden moisture, and sunlight. The fungi component holds the needed moisture while the algae component converts sunlight into food. Photosynthetic partners both benefit.
“One could speculate that lichens would be among the last inhabitants to succumb on a dying earth at some distant point in the future.” – Steven L. Stephenson