Lichens

Lichens are of great interest because these are not single plants; instead, each lichen is formed of a fungus and an algae living so intimately as to be seen as a single entity. In reality, it is one of the best examples of mutualism. Here a fungus, which is unable to make food for itself, uses food and nutrients made by an alga. The alga on the other hand receives protection and moisture from the fungus.

There are 17,000 different kinds of lichens worldwide, suited for every conceivable environment. The one pictured was photographed by frequent WPC Volunteer Photographer John Karian on sandstone in Venango County. In this instance, the lichen requires only light, air and the minerals that are being absorbed from rainwater, snow or those being sapped from the stone.

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