Amy Smith Muise

Lichens are not a single organism but rather a symbiotic organism composed of fungi and algae. Lichens grow in a wide variety of habitats including on trees, on rocks, and in the soil. They have the ability to absorb a great deal of moisture. They fulfill a vital ecosystem function because they have the ability to gather atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into a form that plants can use. This is particularly important in the desert where there is very little nitrogen available to plants. Lichens also slowly break down rocks to create soil. Lastly, lichens do not thrive in situations with environmental pollution, and they are therefore an indicator of pollution levels. Both wildlife and humans use lichens. Deer browse on lichens, and birds use lichens as nesting material. Humans eat some lichens and also use them for dye. Lichens display diverse colors and morphology, filling the spectrum from black to red to white. Lichens can be flat or crusty or scaly. Some even grow in the form of tiny shrubs.

Amy Smith Muise

Amy Smith Muise

Amy Smith Muise

Amy Smith Muise