Identify the Symbiosis

Lichens are a unique and fascinating combination of fungus and another organism that goes through photosynthesis, called photobionts, usually algae or cyan bacteria. These organisms work together to form what is known as a symbiotic relationship, which is where both parties benefit from working

together. In this case, the photobiotic produces sugars through photosynthesis, just like leaves on trees, which provides the fungus with a food source, and the fungus produces nutrients that benefit the photobiotic. Thanks to this relationship, lichen can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including on the trunks of trees or leaves in moist forests, on fallen logs, bare rocks, or on soil. Lichen also thrives in some of the most extreme conditions, including hot, dry deserts and the frigid cold Arctic tundra.