Lichens, a Combination of Fungi and Certain Algae, Live Together

Essay

Lichens, a combination of fungi and certain algae, live together in a close community interaction. The traditional understanding of lichen is one where the algae produces food for the fungi and the fungi supply the algae with a suitable home. Recently, however, it was found that the algae can live just fine on their own and are also found living "alone" in nature. The fungi on the other hand do not appear to live on their own in the "wild." Which type of interaction characterizes the "traditional" understanding of lichen? Why? Which type of interaction does the new research suggest? Why?