Answer
Lichens, symbiotic organisms formed by the close association of algae or cyanobacteria with fungi, profoundly influenced Escher's artistic vision. These hardy organisms, capable of thriving in diverse habitats, fascinated Escher with their intricate patterns and structural regularity. Their inherent mathematical beauty resonated with Escher's artistic sensibilities, inspiring him to explore the realms of tessellations, symmetry, and geometric patterns in his iconic works.