Lichens result from the symbiotic union between fungi and algae or fungi and cyanobacteria. The fungus of lichens have a mutualistic symbiotic relationship with algae. Lichens are sensitive to atmospheric pollution. The identification of lichen as a composite organism of cyanobacteria or algae and fungi dates back 150 years, representing the first identification of such intimate symbiosis. 25+ different algal species are involved in associations, with the majority of them green algae (although some species are cyanobacteria ( … For many years, people used to think lichens were one species. Weegy: Lichens represent a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi. A. Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between a mycobiont (fungal partner) and photobiont (green algae or cyanobacteria). A lichen is a combination of two organisms, a green alga or cyanobacterium and an ascomycete fungus, living in a symbiotic relationship. A lichen is a combination of two organisms, a green alga or cyanobacterium and an ascomycete fungus, living in a symbiotic relationship. Whereas algae normally grow only in aquatic or extremely moist environments, lichens can potentially be found on almost any surface (especially rocks) or as epiphytes (meaning that they grow on other plants). The fungal component is called mycobiont while the algae component is called phycobiont. Lichen represents symbiotic relationship. The alga or bacteria provides food through photosynthesis. The basic structure of a lichen is a mass of fungal hyphae; inbedded in this mass is a zone of algae . The prevailing definition of a lichen is that it arises from a symbiosis between a fungus and a photosynthesizing alga or bacteria. The fungi provide protection and moisture to the algae, and the algae feed the fungi with photosynthetic nutrients. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. B. Mycobiont: primary mycobiont are mainly Ascomycota, with a few Basidiomycota; recent evidence suggests that Basidiomycota might be a second partner C. Lichens come in different forms - hairlike, crustose, foliose, fructicose, clubby. Whereas algae normally grow only in aquatic or extremely moist environments, lichens can potentially be found on almost any surface (especially rocks) or as epiphytes (meaning that they grow on other plants). A lichen is a symbiotic association of an alga and a fungus--mutualism. Paul G. Wiegman Sun., January 7, 2007 12:00 a.m. | Sunday, January 7, 2007 12:00 a.m. Join the conversation () Email Newsletters . Ed Reschke /Oxford Scientific/Getty Images. Symbiosis. User: Kelp are multicellular photosynthetic protists that make up kelp forests. This species is very common and grows on bark of all kinds of trees in partial shade or sun. Lichens:an obligate symbiotic relationship & mycorrhizae. The symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi is lichen . These forests are found in the cold nutrient-rich water off the coast of California.