A lichen is an organism that structurally appears to be a single organism. But a lichen is actually two different organisms-a fungus and green algae-living together as one organism. The fungal partner derives its nutrition from the photosynthesizing algae. How does a lichen differ in its photosynthetic activity from Elysia chlorotica, the sea slug that's considered to be a photosynthesizing animal?

Question

Aedan Lynch

27 March, 07:14

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Answers (2)

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Lesly Stephens · Answer 1

Lichens can photosynthesize only because of the living algal partner, while Elysia chlorotica incorporates chloroplasts from algae into its cells.

Grant · Answer 2

The fungi of the lichen relies on the algae for food in order to survive, on the other hand the slug is able to produce its own if necessary.