Lichen+Background

=**Lichen Background** =



 A //lichen// is composed of a symbiotic relationship, a close and long-lasting association, between a fungal partner (mycobiont) and a photosynthetic partner (photobiont). The fungal partner is a heterotrophic organism. It is unable to transform light energy into chemical energy because it lacks choroplasts. Therefore, a fungus must rely on plants for energy two organisms of different species. The photosynthetic partner, an 'alga', is an autotrophic organism, which means it can transform light energy into chemical energy by a process called photosynthesis. When a fungus and an 'alga' form an association, they are able to endure ecological conditions that they would not be able to endure independently. The fungus acts as the host organism because it provides shelter for the 'alga' and the 'alga' provides energy for the fungus because the fungus cannot produce its own. Their relationship is most often labeled as mutualistic symbiotic, which means both partners benefit from the relationship; however, some refer to the association as a controlled parasitism, which means the relationship is balanced and there is minimal to no damage to the host organism.

There are between 13,000 and 15,000 different species of lichens that have been identified today. Lichens are identified based on growth form, color, reproductive structure, and features of the thallus ("plant body").



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