Lichens growing on rock
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Lichens growing on rock
Lichens on basalt rock. Lichens consist of two organisms living in close partnership - a fungus and an alga. Single cells of the alga are enmeshed in a mass of fungal hyphae, which anchor the lichen to the rock. The fungus benefits from the alga by obtaining food produced by photosynthesis. What the alga gains is not clear, but some biologists believe it receives nutrients from the fungus as well as protection and support. Although the fungi that grow in lichens are incapable of living independently, the algae grow faster alone, which raises the question of whether the relationship is symbiotic, as is often thought, or parasitic
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6276591
© KAJ R. SVENSSON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Basalt Lichen Lichens Mutualism Rock Symbiosis Symbiotic
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the intricate beauty of lichens thriving on a basalt rock. Lichens, as we now know, are not just a single organism but rather a fascinating partnership between a fungus and an alga. In this close-knit relationship, the alga's individual cells become entangled within the fungal hyphae, firmly anchoring the lichen to its rocky home. While it is clear that the fungus benefits from the alga by receiving nourishment through photosynthesis, what exactly the alga gains remains somewhat mysterious. Some biologists speculate that it receives nutrients from the fungus while also enjoying protection and support in this unique alliance. Interestingly, studies have shown that although these fungi cannot survive independently outside of their lichen partnerships, algae can grow faster when alone. This raises intriguing questions about whether this relationship truly represents symbiosis or if there may be some parasitic elements at play. In this mesmerizing image captured by Science Photo Library, we are invited to contemplate nature's remarkable ability to forge mutually beneficial connections even in seemingly inhospitable environments like rocks. It serves as a reminder of how intricately intertwined life forms can be and encourages us to delve deeper into understanding these extraordinary relationships found throughout our natural world.
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