What is the significance of lichens in nature and human life?

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of lichens in nature and human life. In fact, despite their tiny size, they are the most important element in the ecosystem of the Earth. Moreover, over the long years of research, man has learned to use lichens in various spheres of production.

But, unfortunately, not many are able to brag about being familiar with this amazing family of plants. In order to fix this, let's talk about the true meaning of lichens in nature and human life.

What is a lichen?

Lichen is an amazing symbiosis of fungi and algae. In this case, lichens absorbed the best qualities of both families. They absorb water quickly enough, as it is characteristic of fungi, and the genes of algae provide them with a mechanism of photosynthesis. That is why the lichen is unpretentious to the habitat and can survive even in the harshest climate.

But what is the significance of lichens in nature and human life? It should start with the fact that these plants significantly affect their own habitat. This is due to the fact that lichenic acid partially destroys the surface, thereby reducing its density and allowing to break through to the light to weaker plants.

Ecological significance of lichens in nature and in human life

Like any plant, lichens reprocess carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen at the same time. This fact becomes even more important if we take into account that these plants do not feel bad in those parts of the world where others simply do not survive.

Lichens are also excellent biosensors. They react instantly to air pollution. Therefore, scientists studying the ecological situation in the region first take samples of lichens for analysis. In addition, these plants retain heavy metals inside themselves , hence, due to them, even small bursts of radiation can be detected.

The practical importance of lichens in nature and human life

Lichens are a source of carbohydrates for many animals. For example, wild goats are very fond of this delicacy, so they wander from place to place in his search. In the North, where the winter lasts a very long time, lichens became the basis of the ration for such animals as moose, deer, wild boar.

But among people there are those who do not mind eating this representative of the flora. True, not every type of lichen can be used for this purpose. So, the lichen manna is considered edible, and also the gyro. The latter, by the way, is the basis for many Japanese dishes.

The industrial significance of lichens

So, the role of lichens in nature and human life is very clear, but what about the industrial side of the question? Probably, it's not a secret for anyone that in recent years this plant has been actively used in many industries.

So, the oak moss and the plum deer are added to the spirits in order to give them special notes. And some lichen varieties are used to create paints. The reason for this is the same property of retaining metals.

But what is more important is that of them many medications are made. For example, parmelia is used to prepare a medicine for epilepsy, Icelandic moss helps with poisoning, and the lobaria relieves pneumonia. In addition, some lichen varieties have antibacterial properties.