LICHEN, SWITZERLAND 2025
I found these Lichens close to my sister’s place in Wohlen, Switzerland. Shot with the OM System 90mm/f3.5, they look much bigger than they are in real life.
Lichen is a unique organism made up of a fungus and a partner, usually an alga or a cyanobacterium. This relationship helps lichen survive in tough environments where each might struggle alone.
Lichens come in different shapes and colors, allowing them to live in various ecosystems, from cold tundras to dry deserts. They not only survive well but also help the environment by forming soil, providing homes for small creatures, and indicating environmental health. The fungus provides support, while the photosynthetic partner makes nutrients from sunlight. This adaptation allows lichens to endure extreme conditions, making them some of the toughest life forms on Earth. They are also an important food source for animals like reindeer and help break down rocks and support the nitrogen cycle, which is crucial for plant growth. Overall, lichen shows the complex relationships in ecosystems and how life can adapt.
