Definitions
- Describing a composite organism consisting of a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium. - Referring to a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium. - Talking about a type of organism that can grow on rocks, trees, and other surfaces.
- Referring to a group of organisms that includes mushrooms, yeasts, and molds. - Describing a type of organism that obtains nutrients by decomposing organic matter. - Talking about a type of organism that can cause infections in humans and animals.
List of Similarities
- 1Both are types of organisms.
- 2Both can grow on various surfaces.
- 3Both play important roles in ecosystems.
- 4Both can have beneficial or harmful effects on humans and other organisms.
- 5Both can be used in medicine and industry.
What is the difference?
- 1Composition: Lichen is a composite organism consisting of a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium, while fungus is a single-celled or multicellular organism that belongs to the kingdom Fungi.
- 2Nutrition: Lichen obtains nutrients through a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium, while fungus obtains nutrients by decomposing organic matter.
- 3Appearance: Lichen can have a variety of shapes and colors, while fungus can have different forms such as mushrooms, yeasts, and molds.
- 4Habitat: Lichen can grow in harsh environments such as deserts and tundras, while fungus can grow in a wide range of environments including soil, water, and decaying matter.
- 5Uses: Lichen can be used in dyes, perfumes, and traditional medicines, while fungus can be used in food production, antibiotics, and bioremediation.
Remember this!
Lichen and fungus are both types of organisms that play important roles in ecosystems. However, the difference between lichen and fungus is their composition, nutrition, appearance, habitat, and uses. Lichen is a composite organism consisting of a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium that obtains nutrients through a symbiotic relationship, while fungus is a single-celled or multicellular organism that obtains nutrients by decomposing organic matter. Lichen can grow in harsh environments and has various uses such as in dyes and perfumes, while fungus can grow in a wide range of environments and has various uses such as in food production and antibiotics.
