Lichen

Lichen

Lichen is a type of fungus associated symbiotically with algae or cyanobacteria. It is found all around the world and in all types of regions, particularly in the tundra. While they can colonize many types of surfaces, they are mostly found on tree bark, exposed rocks, and soil crust. The algae part of the lichen is responsible for capturing energy through photosynthesis. The fungus part benefits from this compound since it is able to grow faster than when alone by releasing minerals and water from rocks with its acid. The algae and fungi can also survive extreme temperature and altitude when they are as a lichen compound.