Terraforming Lichen

A couple years ago, an experiment by the European Space agency proved the hardiness of lichen by showing that they can survive in space for two weeks without any damage. Because of this hardiness, lichens have been put forward as a possible agent in terraforming the Red Planet. Mars with its frigid temperatures and lack of atmosphere may very well be unable to defeat these hardiest of living creatures. Lichens are routinely known to survive temperatures that occur on the martian surface and need only a tiny amount of water to survive and grow. Who knows maybe the mission to create a colony on Mars will be much easier than currently predicted.

http://www.astrobio.net/news/article1795.htm

http://www.redcolony.com/art.php?id=0109020