Fungi and Lichens

What are Fungi?
Fungi are eukaryotes that function as a vast network of threads existing in organic matter. Fungi play an important role in the ecosystem in that they secrete enzymes that decompose dead organisms and other organic materials. The result is a recycling process of chemicals that other organisms can assimilate. Plants depend on fungi to make nutrients available for growth. Mycology is the scientific term for the study of fungi.

 

What are lichens?
Lichens are symbiotic organisms made up by the association of microscopic green algae or cyanobacteria and filamentous fungi. Lichens take the external shape of the fungal partner and hence are named based on the fungus. The lichen fungus is typically a member of the Ascomycota.

 

Fungi and Lichens
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