Lichen

Galapagos Wildlife: Lichens © Godfrey Merlen

Lichens © Godfrey Merlen

Species Data

Common Name Lichen
Spanish Name Liquen
Conservation Status

Galapagos Graphics: IUCN Red List Least Concern © Dan Wright

Least Concern

Endemic/Native/Introduced

Native

Animal Class Composite organism (see below!)
Habitat Zone ALL
Seed Dispersal Method Wind-borne spores

Species Overview

Lichens are not a single species, they are a “composite organism” consisting of a fungus and an algae. Lichens can occur in some of the most hostile environments on Earth and are what are known as pioneer species because of their ability to colonise new areas of land. Over many years they turn bare rock into soil, allowing other species to then colonise the area.

Lichen features on these pages:

For further information you can visit: