A Lichen's Mysterious 2D World
CLICK ON IMAGE TO LOOK CLOSE.
Lichen are neither plants nor animals. They are various types of cooperative, symbiotic aggregations of algae, fungi and microbes.
This particular type of lichen grows and spreads in two dimensions. As shown here, its growth habit is roughly circular on a relatively flat surface. Also as shown here, aggregations compete with one another for the 2D space.
These lichen seem to have grown on a surface first populated with moss. In my experience, if 2D lichen aggregations are left undisturbed, they persist for years where they form; even decades.
Location: Top, flat surface of a cement parapet. It surrounds the courtyard of St. Chrischona Church, in the St. Chrischona settlement, Bettingen BS Swizerland.
In my album: Dan's Little Lives.
A Lichen's Mysterious 2D World
CLICK ON IMAGE TO LOOK CLOSE.
Lichen are neither plants nor animals. They are various types of cooperative, symbiotic aggregations of algae, fungi and microbes.
This particular type of lichen grows and spreads in two dimensions. As shown here, its growth habit is roughly circular on a relatively flat surface. Also as shown here, aggregations compete with one another for the 2D space.
These lichen seem to have grown on a surface first populated with moss. In my experience, if 2D lichen aggregations are left undisturbed, they persist for years where they form; even decades.
Location: Top, flat surface of a cement parapet. It surrounds the courtyard of St. Chrischona Church, in the St. Chrischona settlement, Bettingen BS Swizerland.
In my album: Dan's Little Lives.