Lichens are among the slowest-growing organisms, but their tolerance of environmental extremes enables them to colonize habitats where few other macroscopic organisms can grow. They grow where neither the fungal partner (mycobiont) or the photosynthetic partner (photobiont) could survive alone, because they benefit from their unique symbiotic association. What mutualistic behaviors aid in the survival of both organisms?

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Biology

Eileen

14 March, 18:32

Lichens are among the slowest-growing organisms, but their tolerance of environmental extremes enables them to colonize habitats where few other macroscopic organisms can grow. They grow where neither the fungal partner (mycobiont) or the photosynthetic partner (photobiont) could survive alone, because they benefit from their unique symbiotic association. What mutualistic behaviors aid in the survival of both organisms?

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Irene Walton · Answer 1

The photobionts are protected and able to grow in conditions in which they could not grow alone and in return release glucose in some form to the mycobiont.