CONNECTING THE INVISIBLE: UNVEILING LICENIZED FUNGI

Abstract

Lichenized fungi are mutualistic associations between fungi, algae, or cyanobacteria, and are extremely sensitive to environmental pollution. Environmental education has become a priority in schools, especially in a context where sustainability and environmental preservation are urgent issues. In this context, this work sought to explore the biodiversity of lichenized fungi and their importance as bioindicators of air quality, promoting student awareness of the relevance of these organisms to the ecosystem. To this end, presentations were given to two 7th-grade classes at the Frei Manoel Procópio Municipal School in Imperatriz, Maranhão, with the aim of expanding students' knowledge about lichens and their ecological functions, and how pollution affects these organisms. The slides presented contained different images of lichenized fungi present in three city squares. Additionally, there was a lichen exhibition, where the types of thalli and their characteristics were explored. The results were obtained through questionnaires applied at the beginning and end of the activities, in order to verify if there was a change in the students' knowledge. Initially, most students had no knowledge of lichens and had doubts about the presence of these organisms in the city and about the types of pollution present in Imperatriz - MA. In the end, it was observed that there was an expansion in the students' knowledge about lichenized fungi, their importance as bioindicators, and their contribution to environmental sustainability. In the end, it was observed that 82% of the students had a significant increase in their knowledge about lichenized fungi. Overall, the students were participative and had a greater understanding of lichenized fungi and the importance of these organisms to the environment.