Lichens growing on a tree trunk. Lichens are symbiotic organisms,consisting of an algal and a fungal partner. The algae live enclosed within a loose mass of fungal hyphae. The fungus benefits from the photosynthetic activity of the alga,whereas the advantage to the alga probably lies in protection from drought and intense light. Slow growing organisms,lichens live to immense ages,colonising tree trunks,soil and rock. They are highly sensitive to environmental conditions,and can therefore be used as indicators of pollution levels | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Marten, Michael |
Bildgröße: | 3858 px × 4843 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |