Lichens as symbiotic associations consisting of a fungus (the mycobiont) and a photosynthetic partner (the photobiont) dominate the terrestrial vegetation of continental Antarctica. The photobiont provides carbon nutrition for the fungus. Therefore, performance and protection of photosystem II is a key factor of lichen survival. Potentials and limitations of photobiont physiology require intense investigation to extend the knowledge on adaptation mechanisms in the lichen symbiosis and to clarify to which extent photobionts benefit from symbiosis. Isolated photobionts and entire lichen thalli have been examined. The contribution of the photobiont concerning adaptation mechanisms to the light regime and temperature conditions was examined by chlorophyll a fluorescence and pigment analysis focusing on the foliose lichen Umbilicaria decussata from North Victoria Land, continental Antarctica. No photoinhibition has been observed in the entire lichen thallus. In the isolated photobionts, photoinhibition was clearly temperature dependent. For the first time, melanin in U. decussata thalli has been proved. Though the isolated photobiont is capable of excess light protection, the results clearly show that photoprotection is significantly increased in the symbiotic state. The closely related photobiont of Pleopsidium chlorophanum , a lichen lacking melanin, showed a higher potential of carotenoid-based excess light tolerance. This fact discriminates the two photobionts of the same Trebouxia clade. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the successful adaptation of lichens to continental Antarctic conditions is in part based on the physiological potential of the photobionts. The findings provide information on the success of symbiotic life in extreme environments.