Waxpaper Lichen

Waxpaper lichen is one of the most pollution-tolerant lichens, persisting in urban environments where most other lichens disappear. Its tolerance comes from waxy surface compounds that reduce pollutant absorption. It's become a 'weed lichen' - thriving in degraded conditions while sensitive species vanish.

This demonstrates the generalist advantage in degraded environments. While specialists require pristine conditions, generalists expand into territories others abandon. The business parallel is companies that thrive in challenging markets where premium competitors can't survive - discount retailers, basic services, stripped-down products. They inherit market share from retreating specialists.