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A recent collaborative study involving researchers from China, the United States, and Spain sheds light on the contentious debate within the conservation community regarding biocrusts—integral living organisms that comprise lichen, bacteria, fungi, moss, and small plants. These organisms thrive on mineral surfaces, raising questions about their impact on historical monuments.
While some argue that biocrusts contribute to the weathering of these monuments, jeopardizing their structural integrity, others contend that they may actually serve as a protective shield, increasing the longevity of such historical sites. This ongoing debate highlights the importance of understanding the dual nature of these living coatings.