What did the fungus say to the tree? I think I’ve taken a lichen to ya.

Lichens are a truly a unique organism. They are a symbiotic relationship between fungus and algae. The fungus grows on the tree (or rock, wall, etc) and traps moisture which the algae need to survive. The algae photosynthesize and create food which feeds the fungus. They need each other to survive. Now this was a bit of fun background for you, but I did not get into that much detail with our near-three year old for this daily biology/nature lesson. We spoke more on coexistence.

The concept of coexistence didn’t seem to phase our toddler. Why should it? Multiple living things should be able to share a space together peacefully. Hey, there are currently 2 adults, 1 toddler, 1 dog, and 8 baby chicks coexisting in our house at the moment. The idea that this strange lichen ‘plant‘ that my mom is pointing to coexisting peacefully on the side of the tree is not a strange phenomenon to him.

To peacefully coexistence, we communicate our feelings or needs, we are polite in what we say and our actions, we share, and we help others when they are in need.

ENJOY!