Lichens: nature's pioneers

摘要

Lichens are among the most fascinating organisms on this planet and are nature's pioneers. They find their homes in some of the most barren and inhospitable parts of the world. From there they slowly begin the process of creating a foundation for habitation by others. Their very structure is unique: a symbiosis of two organisms--a fungus and alga(e)--so complete that they behave and look like an entirely new being.