Worth Protecting All over the world, scientists keep finding new lichens. T at’s good news. Lichens may be easily ignored. Yet they play an important role on our planet. Sure, the alga and fungus help one another survive. Yet they do more than that. Together, these two organisms help other living things. I’ve seen that right here on the Galápagos.


I was exploring a forest on one island. It was the dry season, so it hadn’t rained much. As I hiked, a fog rolled in. It blew through curtains of lichens hanging from tree branches. T e lichens caught drops of water in the fog. T e water dripped to the ground and puddled. Now the animals here had fresh drinking water. I’ve also spotted snails hiding in lichens. I’ve


seen birds rip up strips of lichen for their nests. Some animals even eat lichens. T ese are just some of the reasons I like


lichens. It’s why I’ll keep looking for them. Every rock, cactus, or icy patch of dirt could hold a discovery. Who knows when I might find another new lichen.


WORDWISE


genus: a grouping of species that share similar characteristics


lichen: a living thing that is part fungus and part alga


mutualism: a relationship between two different kinds of organisms in which both benefit


species: a grouping of organisms that share similar characteristics and can breed with each other


symbiosis: a relationship between two different kinds of organisms which lasts over a period of time


Leafy: This lichen looks wavy, like tough lettuce.


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Crusty: This lichen is mostly fl at, and it sticks tightly to a surface.


Lichens grow in three main shapes. Look at Lichen


Shrubby: This lichen looks like a tiny bush with branches.


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