Lichens:
* Are not a single species. They are a symbiotic partnership between a fungus and an alga (or sometimes a cyanobacterium). The fungus provides structure and protection, while the alga provides food through photosynthesis.
* Are classified as fungi. They are often placed in the kingdom Fungi because the fungal component is the dominant partner and gives the lichen its overall structure and characteristics.
Mosses:
* Are a type of non-vascular plant. They belong to the division Bryophyta.
* Are photosynthetic. They produce their own food through photosynthesis, but they lack the vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) that allow higher plants to transport water and nutrients.
* Are considered a separate species. They are distinct organisms, not a partnership like lichens.
In summary:
* Lichens are a partnership between a fungus and an alga/cyanobacterium, and they are classified as fungi.
* Mosses are a type of non-vascular plant and are considered a distinct species.
