Page 182 - The Microworld Miracle

their own, yet for some reason have decided to live in partnership.
If all living species underwent developmental changes according to
a process of evolution, then this shared life could have emerged on-

ly as the result of a very great need. Yet there is no such urgency
here; algae and fungi are not forced to depend on each other. The li-
chens formed by their coming together are actually completely sep-

arate structures. The two species have joined forces to break down
rocks and form soil, even though they themselves will obtain no
benefit. Like all other living things, they have submitted to Allah

THE MICROWORLD MIRACLE

Lichens generally live in clean air, on tree trunks, mountain peaks and
bare rocks. As the fungus obtains food thanks to photosynesis, carried
out by the algae , algae obtain minerals thanks to the fungus's property of
breaking substances down. In addition, they also obtain a safe shelter.
180