Question 1

What is a lichen?

Accepted Answer

A lichen is a special partnership between a fungus and an alga or a bacterium. They live together and help each other survive.

Question 2

Where do lichens usually grow?

Accepted Answer

Lichens can grow almost anywhere! You'll find them on rocks, trees, and even old buildings.

Question 3

Why are lichens different colors?

Accepted Answer

Lichens come in many colors like green, orange, and yellow because of the different pigments in the algae and fungi that make them up.

Question 4

Do lichens need water to live?

Accepted Answer

Yes, lichens need water to live, but they can survive without it for a while. When it rains or is foggy, they soak up the moisture.

Question 5

How do lichens get their food?

Accepted Answer

The algae or bacteria in lichens use sunlight to make food, just like plants do. The fungus benefits by getting some of the food made by the algae or bacteria.

Question 6

Can lichens grow in the desert?

Accepted Answer

Yes, lichens can grow in the desert! They are very good at surviving in tough conditions like extreme heat and dryness.

Question 7

Why are lichens important to nature?

Accepted Answer

Lichens are important because they help break down rocks into soil, which is good for plants. They’re also a food source for some animals.

Question 8

Can you eat lichens?

Accepted Answer

Some lichens can be eaten, but many aren’t safe for people. Always check with an adult before trying any lichens.

Question 9

Do lichens harm trees or rocks?

Accepted Answer

Lichens don’t harm trees or rocks. They just use them as a place to live.

Question 10

Are lichens plants?

Accepted Answer

No, lichens are not plants. They are a special combination of a fungus and an alga or a bacterium.

Question 11

How do lichens reproduce?

Accepted Answer

Lichens can reproduce in several ways, including breaking off small pieces that can grow into a new lichen.

Question 12

How long can lichens live?

Accepted Answer

Some lichens can live a really long time, even hundreds of years. They grow very slowly.

Question 13

Do lichens have flowers?

Accepted Answer

No, lichens don't have flowers. They reproduce with tiny spores, like fungi do.

Question 14

What do lichens do for the air?

Accepted Answer

Lichens can help clean the air. They absorb pollutants from the air, although too much pollution can harm them.

Question 15

How can you tell lichens apart?

Accepted Answer

You can tell lichens apart by their color, shape, and the surface they grow on. Some look like crusts, and others are leafy or bushy.

Question 16

Why don’t lichens need soil?

Accepted Answer

Lichens don't need soil because they get their nutrients from the air and rain. They use whatever they’re growing on just for support.

Question 17

Can lichens live underwater?

Accepted Answer

Some lichens can live in very wet places, but they usually live on land. They aren't usually found underwater all the time.

Question 18

Do animals use lichens?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some animals eat lichens, and others use them to make nests. Reindeer and caribou, for example, eat lichens.

Question 19

Why are lichens special?

Accepted Answer

Lichens are special because they represent teamwork between two different organisms. This amazing partnership allows them to live in places where many other organisms can't.

Question 20

Can lichens be used for dyeing clothes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some lichens have been used to make natural dyes for clothes. They can produce beautiful colors.

The Biology of Lichens - 20 FAQs Explained Simply