Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
A lichen (/ ˈ l aɪ k ən / LIE-kən, UK also / ˈ l ɪ tʃ ən / LI-chən) is a hybrid colony of algae or cyanobacteria living symbiotically among filaments of multiple fungi species, along with yeasts and bacteria [1] [2] embedded in the cortex or "skin", in a mutualistic relationship.
Lichens are symbiotic organisms that play an important role in the biogeochemical cycle on Earth. The characteristics of lichens, such as strong resistance to factors such as desiccation, ability to grow and break down rocks allow lichen to grow in different types of environment including highly nitrogen limited area such as subarctic heath.
Ethnolichenology is the study of the relationship between lichens and people. Lichens have and are being used for many different purposes by human cultures across the world. The most common human use of lichens is for dye, but they have also been used for medicine, food and other purposes.
One reason the greenshield lichen can be more commonly found than other lichen species is because it is relatively tolerant of pollution. Lichens are often used to monitor air quality.
Although there are many lichen species throughout the world, only a few species of lichen are known to be both edible and provide any nutrition. [6] Two problems often encountered with eating lichens is that they usually contain mildly toxic secondary compounds, and that lichen polysaccharides are generally indigestible to humans. Many human ...
Lichens are known in which there is one fungus associated with two or even three algal species. Rarely, the reverse can occur, and two or more fungal species can interact to form the same lichen. [12] Both the lichen and the fungus partner bear the same scientific name, and the lichens are being integrated into the classification schemes for fungi.
Lichenicolous fungi are a specialised group of fungi that live exclusively on lichens as their host organisms. The term "lichenicolous" comes from Latin, with "lichen" referring to the host and "cola" meaning "inhabitant". [1] These fungi are distinct from the fungal component of lichens themselves, which are known as lichenised fungi. [2]
A cyanolichen is a lichen with a cyanobacterium as its main photosynthetic component . [12] Many cyanolichens are small and black, and have limestone as the substrate. Another cyanolichen group, the jelly lichens (e.g., from the genera Collema or Leptogium) are large and foliose (e.g., species of Peltigera, Lobaria, and Degelia. These lichen ...