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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

elemental concentrations, lichen growth forms, nutrients

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Abstract

Lichens consist of two organisms that live in a symbiotic relationship. The lichen photobiont, green alga, cyanobacteria, or a combination of both, provides carbohydrates from photosynthesis. While the mycobiont partner, a fungus, accounts for the majority of the lichen mass, and provides shelter and nutrients (St. Clair, 1998). Although lichens come in many different shapes and colors, all lichens are grouped into three main categories, depending on their growth type. Crustose lichens attach very tightly to their rock substrate and often appear as if they were painted on. Foliose lichens have a more leafy appearance and are attached to the substrate at their base through small rootlets called rhizines. Fruticose lichens tend to be more fibrous with a single point of attachment. They have a vertical growth pattern that can look similar to shrubs or many hang down from the attachment like Spanish moss.

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