Karen7879
Lichen
Lichens, like the one in this photo, can grow on different locations such as the bark on trees, rocks, and ground. They are formed from a mutualistic relationship between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium. The fungus provides the structure that allows for support, absorption of moisture and the collection of minerals from the air. Since fungi cannot produce their own food, the lichen uses the alga or cyanobacterium’s ability to photosynthesize in order to obtain its food. An interesting thing about these organisms is that they are widely used as bio-indicators. Since lichens are sensitive to Sulphur dioxide pollution in the air, they tend to grow in areas with cleaner air. Lichens such as Ramalina, Usnea and Lobaria species are highly sensitive than other lichens and are never found in areas polluted by industrialization. However, other species of lichens aren’t as sensitive. I believe this one is of the species Lepraria incana which can tolerate poor air quality meaning that this area in Thomasville, NC may not have the best air quality.
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Lichen
Lichens, like the one in this photo, can grow on different locations such as the bark on trees, rocks, and ground. They are formed from a mutualistic relationship between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium. The fungus provides the structure that allows for support, absorption of moisture and the collection of minerals from the air. Since fungi cannot produce their own food, the lichen uses the alga or cyanobacterium’s ability to photosynthesize in order to obtain its food. An interesting thing about these organisms is that they are widely used as bio-indicators. Since lichens are sensitive to Sulphur dioxide pollution in the air, they tend to grow in areas with cleaner air. Lichens such as Ramalina, Usnea and Lobaria species are highly sensitive than other lichens and are never found in areas polluted by industrialization. However, other species of lichens aren’t as sensitive. I believe this one is of the species Lepraria incana which can tolerate poor air quality meaning that this area in Thomasville, NC may not have the best air quality.
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