Lichens are a successful alliance between a fungus and an alga. Only certain algae and certain fungi can get together to form a lichen.
Mr. Fungus is ready to meet our friend the alga. The lichen is created between the fungus and the alga.

Since only certain algae and fungi can get together, this means that each union creates a unique type of lichen body (thallus). This thallus body enables scientists to make identifications and assign names.

Lichens are important in many ways:
To teach people more about lichens and to explore their unique characteristics, a query page has been developed which will enable you to learn how to identify these mysterious organisms.

Ready? Then let's begin!

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