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NatureSurprise 4/5Difficulty 3/5Reviewed on September 14, 2026

A lichen is a partnership between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium.

Why it is true

Lichens are organisms composed of a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium. The fungus provides shelter and minerals, while the alga produces food through photosynthesis. It is one of the most successful symbioses in nature.

Source: Nature

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