Foliose lichen. Clump of Ramalina sp. lichen. Lichens are symbiotic organisms formed of a fungus and an alga that mutually benefit one another. The al

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Foliose lichen. Clump of Ramalina sp. lichen. Lichens are symbiotic organisms formed of a fungus and an alga that mutually benefit one another. The alga is contained within the hyphae (filaments) of the fungus. They are therefore protected from harsh conditions, and in particular from dessication. The alga supplies the fungus with nutrients that it makes by photosynthesis.

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Photo credit: © MASSIMO BREGA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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