Lichen and Mycorrhizae

By Reuben Vandezande

Lichens

• A fungus that grows symbiotically with algae, resulting in a composite organism that characteristically forms a crust-like or branching growth on rocks or tree trunks.(Wikipedia)

http://www.answers.com/topic/lichen

Pictures

Tube Lichen

Pictures

Green Shield Lichen

PicturesGrisley Beard Lichen

Mycorrhizae

• Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations that form between the roots of most plant species and fungi.

http://stvrainarborcare.com/FAQs_10.html

Pictures

Pictures

• White Truffle

Pictures

• Redwood seedlings with, right, and without, left, mycorrhizae

Importance of Lichen and Mycorrhizae

• They provide a place for algae to survive in harsh conditions (lichen)

• They absorb anything in the air, especially pollutants (lichen)

• Provide nutrients for host plants by increasing the rate of decomposition in the root area of the plant (mycorrhizae)

Life cyclehttp://kentsimmons.uwinnipeg.ca/16cm05/16labman05/lb2pg20_files/image004.jpg

Interesting Facts

• Lichens are many times the first organism to settle in an area with no soil

• It is estimated that lichens cover 8% of the earth

• Some Lichens may be over 10,00 years old, in the Antarctic

• Some mycorrhizae can protect roots from other fungus

http://itotd.com/articles/637/lichens/