Fungi

Lichens

How do lichens anchor themselves to a rock or other material?

The fungi produce a potent acid, which is used to etch holes in rock, wood, buildings, and other material to stabilize the lichens. Threadlike appendages are then inserted into the holes to anchor the organism, which is why we often see the lichens seemingly defying gravity on its side, or even upside-down, on a tree or rock ledge.



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