Adventures in First Hand Lichen Research
While we were on our extensive environmental research and development trip to the White Mountain National Forest in the Granite State of New Hampshire we noticed unusual patterns on the stones and trees and even some cabins.
These strange patterns were somehow familiar to our observant eyes. We had encountered them many times and places in the past, present and we hope; long into the future. They were made by a naturally occurring organism called Lichen. Check out this Google Book version to learn more!
Moss or Lichen?
Our first thought was it was just a moss… (just a moss? lol) Upon further inspection these creatures turned out to be lichen. A common occurrence of a not so common occurrence. A symbiotic relationship between a plant and a fungus. Think of them as a photosynthetic mushrooms. The plant absorbs energy from the sun and turns organic matter broken down by the fungus to form more lichen in the future!
Elegant Design and Form of Nature
Where did this collaboration begin? These well formed, compatible and creative creatures could survive well enough on their own. They have existed for millions of years and are found in the fossil record all over the planet. Lichen are capable of attaching the sticky fungus parts of themselves to stone and reproducing with nothing but granite, sunlight and a little bit of moisture in the air! They move in to desolate environments such as the arctic zone of the White Mountains and break solid stone into fertile soil for other plants to colonize. This all occurs in a relatively fast pace in Evolutionary Time. Hundreds and Thousands of years instead of Millions, Billions or Eons.
How the heck did a mushroom and a plant first combine forces to do all of this so successfully?
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