Many lichens are extremophiles.
Great word, isn’t it? Extremophile: lover of extreme conditions.
Whether the hottest, driest, wettest or coldest place on earth, lichens can be found living there.
Lichens maintain a symbiosis with cyanobacteria which photosynthesise for the lichen in return for safe housing and a supply of nutrients. In terms of biomass, the global weight of lichens is greater than all the biomass in the oceans.
Shows what level of protection living with a partner can provide.
Must mean that partnered living is the way to go. So why am I still single and approaching 60?