Lichen and Mycorrhizae By Reuben Vandezande
Lichens A fungus that grows symbiotically with algae, resulting in a composite organism that characteristically forms a crust-like or branching growth on rocks or tree trunks.(Wikipedia) http://www.answers.com/topic/lichen
Pictures Tube Lichen
Pictures Green Shield Lichen
Pictures Grisley Beard Lichen
Mycorrhizae Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations that form between the roots of most plant species and fungi. http://stvrainarborcare.com/FAQs_10.html
Pictures
Pictures White Truffle
Pictures Redwood seedlings with, right, and without, left, mycorrhizae
Importance of Lichen and Mycorrhizae They provide a place for algae to survive in harsh conditions (lichen) They absorb anything in the air, especially pollutants (lichen) Provide nutrients for host plants by increasing the rate of decomposition in the root area of the plant (mycorrhizae)
Life cycle http://kentsimmons.uwinnipeg.ca/16cm05/16labman05/lb2pg20_files/image004.jpg
Interesting Facts Lichens are many times the first organism to settle in an area with no soil It is estimated that lichens cover 8% of the earth Some Lichens may be over 10,00 years old, in the Antarctic Some mycorrhizae can protect roots from other fungus http://itotd.com/articles/637/lichens/