The Use Of Lichen And Its Effect On The Environment

Lichens are widely distributed in many different areas and can be found inhabited within harsh habitats such as dry arid hot deserts and freezing mountain tops. Environmental factors such as temperature, sun exposure levels, and the pH levels of soil influence the growth of Lichens. Their natural structure and symbiotic relationship with fungus and a photosynthetic partner has given these organisms the ability to survive such harsh and exposed environments. Their ability to absorb substances and minerals dissolved in rain and dew has also enabled Lichen to live and survive in such extreme areas, but this ability has had the effect of making them very sensitive to pollutants in the air; and therefore cannot survive in polluted areas such as the city because of automobile traffic such as cars, and industrial activity. Lichen can be found growing within soil, on the surface layer of rocks, and most commonly, they are found growing on the bark of trees (Raven et al. 2010, p. 626-627). The graph above shows that the south aspect of most of the trees in Campbelltown Campus had the greatest surface area of lichen coverage on the tree trunk, compared to the other aspects (east, north and west). The east aspect had the second highest average cell count of lichen coverage. The north and west aspects had a similar cell count which varied by a small amount, with the north aspect having the lowest amount of lichen coverage, and the west being the second lowest. The results did notShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Air Pollution On The Environment1198 Words   |  5 Pagesbio-indicator called a lichen. Lichens consist of two organisms, a fungi and a cyanobacteria (algae) which grow symbiotically. Lichens while they grow symbiotically their relationship of interaction can be described as mutualism. Three basic types of lichens include foliose, crustose, and fruticose. Lichens are durable and can grow in harsh environments where there is little or no soil. 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