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The hidden world of lichens: Why do some fungi live in symbiosis with a variety of algae?
Lichens are complex and bizarre organisms that form from a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). This mode of collaborative living is not only a miracle in nature, but also a successful survival strategy, with about 20% of fungal species choosing this path. Lichens have a variety of structures and functions, and contain countless surprising stories behind them.
"Lichens are the fungi that discovered agriculture."
Basic characteristics of lichens
Lichens are usually composed of fungi and their symbiotic algae or cyanobacteria, which give lichens unique physiological and biochemical properties that cannot be achieved when the components grow independently. The algae or blue-green algae wrapped in the fungal filaments produce organic carbon compounds through photosynthesis, forming a mutualistic relationship between the two. The fungal part provides algae with protection from the external environment, while obtaining water and nutrients from the surrounding environment to enhance survival.
Symbiotic relationships and their diversity
Among the currently known lichens, about 90% have green algae as symbiotic partners. The most common genus of green algae is Trebouxia, followed by Trentepohlia. These symbiotic algae can survive independently in the biological world as well as in lichens, which shows that they play an important role in the ecosystem.
Nomenclature system for lichens
Lichens and their fungal partners often share the same scientific name, making lichens even more important in fungal classification. Algae or blue-green algae have their own scientific names, and the naming of the three also involves more complex ecological and evolutionary relationships.
Fungal components of lichens
Regarding the fungal composition, about 20% of fungi are able to form lichens. Most lichen fungi belong to the Ascomycetes group, which makes up about 98% of lichens. This makes lichens' position in biodiversity even more fundamental and important. In some groups, non-lichenified fungi can also be found coexisting with lichenified fungi, showing the richness of nature.
Photosynthetic components
The photosynthetic components of lichens are called photobionts or algae, and each lichen may be associated with several different algae. This flexibility means that the fungus has a significant influence on shaping the morphology of lichens. Therefore, the shape and structure of a lichen is often determined by its fungal component rather than its algae.
Lichenification process
The process of lichen formation, called lichenification, is not instantaneous but occurs over multiple stages, starting with a mix of chemical signals picked up from the environment that encourage fungi and algae to come into contact and fuse. Scientists have successfully replicated the lichenification process in the lab, but evolution in nature may take longer.
The role of parasitic fungi
Some fungi are specialized as parasites of lichens, called "lichen parasites". They are not considered part of the lichens, but they play an equally important role in the ecosystem. These parasitic fungi may also develop their own ways of playing.
"How does the collaborative relationship between fungi and algae in this hidden world affect our understanding of this habitat?"
The lifestyle of lichens reveals many mysteries about the interactions between organisms in nature, and future research will continue to expand our understanding of these ecosystems. As our understanding of lichen symbiosis deepens, will this change the way we protect and manage ecosystems?
