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. This thallus body enables scientists to make identifications and assign names. Drug companies make antibiotics from lichen substances.
Some lichens make nitrogen in the air usable to plants.
Lichens are homes for spiders, mites, lice and other insects. Lichens can be used as a natural dye to color wool. 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.