10 Animals That Could Technically Live on Other Planets

5. The Hardy Lichen

Lichens, symbiotic organisms composed of fungi and algae or cyanobacteria, are known for their ability to colonize extreme environments, such as arctic tundras and rocky deserts. Their capacity to photosynthesize in low-light conditions and withstand desiccation makes them ideal candidates for colonizing the surface of Mars or the moon. By contributing to soil formation and nutrient cycling, lichens could play a vital role in establishing the foundation for more complex ecosystems on these barren worlds.