Could Lichens Survive on Mars?

A study from the Space Research Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences suggests that certain lichen species could potentially survive on Mars. Researchers exposed two lichen species to simulated Martian conditions and found that even under harsh Martian environments, the fungal component of the lichen maintained active metabolism. Lichens' low metabolism, low nutritional needs, longevity, and adaptations like UV-screening metabolites and radiation-defending melanin pigments make them resilient to extreme conditions, suggesting they could be potential candidates in the search for life on Mars.