noun
- composite organisms consisting of a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium living together in a symbiotic relationship, typically forming crusty or branching growths on rocks, trees, or soil
Usage: biology
Examples
- Lichens covered the old stone wall with patches of green and gray.
- The scientist studied different species of lichens growing on oak trees.
- Lichens can survive in harsh environments where other organisms cannot.
- Bright orange lichens decorated the rocky cliff face.
- Air pollution levels can be measured by observing the health of local lichens.
- The hiker noticed colorful lichens growing on fallen logs in the forest.