Lichen - Revision history

Westarctica: added links to Antarctic lichens

2021-09-30T19:42:48Z

added links to Antarctic lichens

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:42, 30 September 2021
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	==Effect of climate change on Antarctic lichen==		==Effect of climate change on Antarctic lichen==
	According to a 2017 study published by Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, short periods of increased temperature can push Antarctic lichens to their physiological limits, potentially threatening their survival. The observed effect is significant enough to lead the study group to conclude that a continued increase in temperature will lead to a severe species loss among Antarctic vegetation.		According to a 2017 study published by Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, short periods of [[global warming\|increased temperature]] can push Antarctic lichens to their physiological limits, potentially threatening their survival. The observed effect is significant enough to lead the study group to conclude that a continued increase in temperature will lead to a severe species loss among Antarctic vegetation.

	Lichen species native to southern latitudes appeared unable to adapt to rising temperature and were more likely to die out as opposed to lichen species which were native to northern latitudes, but had colonized Antarctic habitats. Those lichen were more readily adaptable to rising temperature.		Lichen species native to southern latitudes appeared unable to adapt to rising temperature and were more likely to die out as opposed to lichen species which were native to northern latitudes, but had colonized [[Antarctic]] habitats. Those lichen were more readily adaptable to rising temperature.

			==Lichens in Westarctica==
			* ''[[Caloplaca saxicola]]''
			* ''[[Usnea antarctica]]''

	==Human use==		==Human use==

Westarctica: /* Lichens in Antarctica */ added link to Caloplaca Hills article

2021-09-30T19:27:29Z

Lichens in Antarctica: added link to Caloplaca Hills article

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:27, 30 September 2021
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	The Maritime Antarctic lichens are restricted to the northern [[Antarctic Peninsula]] and nearby islands. Many of the lichens found in Antarctica are restricted to this area. A number of the lichen species found here are also found in the subantarctic islands and the colder parts of the southern continents, and may represent a southern extension of these populations. This area has the greatest species diversity in Antarctica.		The Maritime Antarctic lichens are restricted to the northern [[Antarctic Peninsula]] and nearby islands. Many of the lichens found in Antarctica are restricted to this area. A number of the lichen species found here are also found in the subantarctic islands and the colder parts of the southern continents, and may represent a southern extension of these populations. This area has the greatest species diversity in Antarctica.

	Lichens have been collected from as far south as 86°30'.		Lichens have been collected from as far south as 86°30' and in the [[Caloplaca Hills]], which are named after the specific type of lichen found there.

	===Adaptations to Antarctica===		===Adaptations to Antarctica===

Westarctica: added link to psychrophiles

2019-01-11T20:49:26Z

added link to psychrophiles

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:49, 11 January 2019
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	Lichens have a number of adaptations that enable them to survive in Antarctica. They are able to exhibit net photosynthesis while frozen at temperatures as low as -20°C. They can absorb water from a saturated atmosphere when covered by snow. Additionally, snow cover affords protection from the elements and most growth appears to occur when they are buried beneath at least a thin protective layer of snow.		Lichens have a number of adaptations that enable them to survive in Antarctica. They are able to exhibit net photosynthesis while frozen at temperatures as low as -20°C. They can absorb water from a saturated atmosphere when covered by snow. Additionally, snow cover affords protection from the elements and most growth appears to occur when they are buried beneath at least a thin protective layer of snow.

	~~They~~ can survive long unfavorable periods of drought in a dry and inactive state. In continental [[Westarctica]], many lichens are able to absorb water vapor from snow and ice.		Like most [[psychrophiles]], they can survive long unfavorable periods of drought in a dry and inactive state. In continental [[Westarctica]], many lichens are able to absorb water vapor from snow and ice.

	==Effect of climate change on Antarctic lichen==		==Effect of climate change on Antarctic lichen==

Westarctica at 00:50, 4 April 2018

2018-04-04T00:50:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:50, 4 April 2018
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	* [http://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/wildlife/plants/lichens/ Australian Antarctic Division article on lichen]		* [http://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/wildlife/plants/lichens/ Australian Antarctic Division article on lichen]

	~~[[Category:Science]]~~
	[[Category:Plants of Westarctica]]		[[Category:Plants of Westarctica]]

Westarctica at 06:13, 20 March 2018

2018-03-20T06:13:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:13, 20 March 2018
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	==Distribution==		==Distribution==
	[[File:Lichenson Heard Island.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Lichen covered rocks on Heard Island.]]		[[File:Lichenson Heard Island.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Lichen covered rocks on Heard Island.]]
	Lichens occur from sea level to high alpine elevations, in many environmental conditions, and can grow on almost any surface. Lichens are abundant growing on bark, leaves, mosses, on other lichens, and hanging from branches "living on thin air" (epiphytes) in rain forests and in temperate woodland. They grow on rock, walls, gravestones, roofs, exposed soil surfaces, and in the soil as part of a biological soil crust. Different kinds of lichens have adapted to survive in some of the most extreme environments on Earth: [[Antarctica]], hot dry deserts, rocky coasts, and toxic slag heaps. They can even live inside solid rock, growing between the grains.		Lichens occur from sea level to high alpine elevations, in many environmental conditions, and can grow on almost any surface. Lichens are abundant growing on bark, leaves, [[moss\|mosses]], on other lichens, and hanging from branches "living on thin air" (epiphytes) in rain forests and in temperate woodland. They grow on rock, walls, gravestones, roofs, exposed soil surfaces, and in the soil as part of a biological soil crust. Different kinds of lichens have adapted to survive in some of the most extreme environments on Earth: [[Antarctica]], hot dry deserts, rocky coasts, and toxic slag heaps. They can even live inside solid rock, growing between the grains.

	It is estimated that 6% of Earth's land surface is covered by lichen. There are about 20,000 known species of lichens. Some lichens have lost the ability to reproduce sexually, yet continue to speciate. Lichens can be seen as being relatively self-contained miniature ecosystems, where the fungi, algae, or cyanobacteria have the potential to engage with other microorganisms in a functioning system that may evolve as an even more complex composite organism.		It is estimated that 6% of Earth's land surface is covered by lichen. There are about 20,000 known species of lichens. Some lichens have lost the ability to reproduce sexually, yet continue to speciate. Lichens can be seen as being relatively self-contained miniature ecosystems, where the fungi, algae, or cyanobacteria have the potential to engage with other microorganisms in a functioning system that may evolve as an even more complex composite organism.
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	Lichens can be found growing in most areas of the Antarctic capable of supporting plant life. Currently four general distributional patterns of lichens are known. These are: species confined to the Maritime Antarctic; those found in the Peninsula and extending to the Lesser Antarctic; those with a Circum Antarctic distribution; and those with very disrupted or Disjunct distribution patterns.		Lichens can be found growing in most areas of the Antarctic capable of supporting plant life. Currently four general distributional patterns of lichens are known. These are: species confined to the Maritime Antarctic; those found in the Peninsula and extending to the Lesser Antarctic; those with a Circum Antarctic distribution; and those with very disrupted or Disjunct distribution patterns.

	The Maritime Antarctic lichens are restricted to the northern Peninsula and nearby islands. Many of the lichens found in Antarctica are restricted to this area. A number of the lichen species found here are also found in the subantarctic islands and the colder parts of the southern continents, and may represent a southern extension of these populations. This area has the greatest species diversity in Antarctica.		The Maritime Antarctic lichens are restricted to the northern [[Antarctic Peninsula]] and nearby islands. Many of the lichens found in Antarctica are restricted to this area. A number of the lichen species found here are also found in the subantarctic islands and the colder parts of the southern continents, and may represent a southern extension of these populations. This area has the greatest species diversity in Antarctica.

	Lichens have been collected from as far south as 86°30'.		Lichens have been collected from as far south as 86°30'.
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	Lichens have a number of adaptations that enable them to survive in Antarctica. They are able to exhibit net photosynthesis while frozen at temperatures as low as -20°C. They can absorb water from a saturated atmosphere when covered by snow. Additionally, snow cover affords protection from the elements and most growth appears to occur when they are buried beneath at least a thin protective layer of snow.		Lichens have a number of adaptations that enable them to survive in Antarctica. They are able to exhibit net photosynthesis while frozen at temperatures as low as -20°C. They can absorb water from a saturated atmosphere when covered by snow. Additionally, snow cover affords protection from the elements and most growth appears to occur when they are buried beneath at least a thin protective layer of snow.

	They can survive long unfavorable periods of drought in a dry and inactive state. In continental ~~Antarctica~~, many lichens are able to absorb water vapor from snow and ice.		They can survive long unfavorable periods of drought in a dry and inactive state. In continental [[Westarctica]], many lichens are able to absorb water vapor from snow and ice.

	==Effect of climate change on Antarctic lichen==		==Effect of climate change on Antarctic lichen==

Westarctica: /* As a food */

2018-03-20T06:09:29Z

As a food

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:09, 20 March 2018
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	There are records of lichens being used as food by many different human cultures across the world. Lichens are eaten by people in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and perhaps elsewhere. Often lichens are merely famine foods eaten in times of dire needs, but in some cultures lichens are a staple food or even a delicacy. 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 cultures have discovered preparation techniques to overcome these problems. Lichens are often thoroughly washed, boiled, or soaked in ash water to help remove secondary compounds.		There are records of lichens being used as food by many different human cultures across the world. Lichens are eaten by people in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and perhaps elsewhere. Often lichens are merely famine foods eaten in times of dire needs, but in some cultures lichens are a staple food or even a delicacy. 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 cultures have discovered preparation techniques to overcome these problems. Lichens are often thoroughly washed, boiled, or soaked in ash water to help remove secondary compounds.

	In the past Iceland moss (''Cetraria islandica'') was an important human food in northern Europe and Scandinavia, and was cooked in many different ways, such as bread, porridge, pudding, soup, or salad. Wila (''Bryoria fremontii'') was an important food in parts of North America, where it was usually pitcooked. ~~It is even featured in a Secwepemc story.~~ Reindeer lichen (''Cladina'' spp.) is a staple food of reindeer and caribou in the Arctic. Northern peoples in North America and Siberia traditionally eat the partially digested lichen after they remove it from the rumen of caribou that have been killed. It is often called 'stomach icecream'. Rock tripe (''Umbilicaria'' spp. and ''Lasalia'' spp.) is a lichen that has frequently been used as an emergency food in North America. One species of ''Umbilicaria'', Iwa-take (''U. esculenta''), is used in a variety of traditional Korean and Japanese foods. It is quite expensive, and is collected off the sides of cliffs. In India, and other centers of curry powder production, garam masala sauce contains certain lichens used as bulking agents.		In the past Iceland moss (''Cetraria islandica'') was an important human food in northern Europe and Scandinavia, and was cooked in many different ways, such as bread, porridge, pudding, soup, or salad. Wila (''Bryoria fremontii'') was an important food in parts of North America, where it was usually pitcooked.

			Reindeer lichen (''Cladina'' spp.) is a staple food of reindeer and caribou in the Arctic. Northern peoples in North America and Siberia traditionally eat the partially digested lichen after they remove it from the rumen of caribou that have been killed. It is often called 'stomach icecream'. Rock tripe (''Umbilicaria'' spp. and ''Lasalia'' spp.) is a lichen that has frequently been used as an emergency food in North America. One species of ''Umbilicaria'', Iwa-take (''U. esculenta''), is used in a variety of traditional Korean and Japanese foods. It is quite expensive, and is collected off the sides of cliffs. In India, and other centers of curry powder production, garam masala sauce contains certain lichens used as bulking agents.

	Very few lichens are poisonous. Poisonous lichens include those high in vulpinic acid or usnic acid. Most (but not all) lichens that contain vulpinic acid are yellow, so any yellow lichen should be considered to be potentially poisonous.		Very few lichens are poisonous. Poisonous lichens include those high in vulpinic acid or usnic acid. Most (but not all) lichens that contain vulpinic acid are yellow, so any yellow lichen should be considered to be potentially poisonous.

Westarctica: /* Pronunciation and etymology */

2018-03-20T06:07:56Z

Pronunciation and etymology

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:07, 20 March 2018
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	==Pronunciation and etymology==		==Pronunciation and etymology==
	In American English, "lichen" is pronounced the same as the verb "liken" (/ˈlaɪkən/). In British English, both this pronunciation and one rhyming with "kitchen" /ˈlɪtʃən/) are used.		In American English, "lichen" is pronounced the same as the verb "liken" (/ˈlaɪkən/). In British English, both this pronunciation and one rhyming with "kitchen" (/ˈlɪtʃən/) are used.

	English lichen derives from Greek λειχήν leichēn ("tree moss, lichen, lichen-like eruption on skin") via Latin lichen. The Greek noun, which literally means "licker", derives from the verb λείχειν leichein, "to lick".		English lichen derives from Greek λειχήν leichēn ("tree moss, lichen, lichen-like eruption on skin") via Latin lichen. The Greek noun, which literally means "licker", derives from the verb λείχειν leichein, "to lick".

Westarctica: /* External Links */

2018-03-20T06:07:06Z

External Links

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:07, 20 March 2018
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	==External Links==		==External Links==
	[https://www.slu.se/en/ew-news/2017/11/antarctic-lichens/ SLU study on sichens]		* [https://www.slu.se/en/ew-news/2017/11/antarctic-lichens/ SLU study on sichens]
	[http://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/wildlife/plants/lichens/ Australian Antarctic Division article on lichen]		* [http://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/wildlife/plants/lichens/ Australian Antarctic Division article on lichen]

	[[Category:Science]]		[[Category:Science]]
	[[Category:Plants of Westarctica]]		[[Category:Plants of Westarctica]]

Westarctica: /* As an alcoholic drink */

2018-03-20T06:06:48Z

As an alcoholic drink

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:06, 20 March 2018
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	===As an alcoholic drink===		===As an alcoholic drink===
			[[File:Sten Stenberg.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Sten Stenberg, Swedish chemistry professor and father of lichen vodka.]]
			As early as the mid-1700s, monks in the Ussolka Monastery in Siberia used lichens in place of hops to brew beer, and in the early 19th century, a Frenchman developed a process to turn lichens into alcohol.

			In 1867, after an abnormally cold, wet summer in Sweden, harvests failed and no potatoes or grain were available for making vodka. Sten Stenberg, a professor of in chemistry from Stockholm, discovered a way to brew vodka from lichens. He boiled clean, dry lichens with sulfuric acid or nitric acid for 4-5 hours, which turned most of the lichen bulk into glucose. He then neutralized the acid broth with chalk, added a large helping of baker's yeast, distilled the mix, and bottled the brew.

			Stenberg established a large distillery, and by 1871, more than 250,000 pounds of reindeer lichens had been brewed into 1,500 gallons of spirits. The industry was short lived, however. By 1884, Swedish distillers had exhausted the lichen supply and once grain harvests returned to their normal levels, consumers lost interest.


	==External Links==		==External Links==

Westarctica at 05:56, 20 March 2018

2018-03-20T05:56:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:56, 20 March 2018
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			[[File:Lichen on Heard Island1.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Lichen on Heard Island]]
	A '''lichen''' is a composite organism that arises from algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of multiple fungi in a symbiotic relationship. The combined lichen has properties different from those of its component organisms. Lichens come in many colors, sizes, and forms. The properties are sometimes plant-like, but lichens are not plants.		A '''lichen''' is a composite organism that arises from algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of multiple fungi in a symbiotic relationship. The combined lichen has properties different from those of its component organisms. Lichens come in many colors, sizes, and forms. The properties are sometimes plant-like, but lichens are not plants.

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	==Distribution==		==Distribution==
			[[File:Lichenson Heard Island.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Lichen covered rocks on Heard Island.]]
	Lichens occur from sea level to high alpine elevations, in many environmental conditions, and can grow on almost any surface. Lichens are abundant growing on bark, leaves, mosses, on other lichens, and hanging from branches "living on thin air" (epiphytes) in rain forests and in temperate woodland. They grow on rock, walls, gravestones, roofs, exposed soil surfaces, and in the soil as part of a biological soil crust. Different kinds of lichens have adapted to survive in some of the most extreme environments on Earth: [[Antarctica]], hot dry deserts, rocky coasts, and toxic slag heaps. They can even live inside solid rock, growing between the grains.		Lichens occur from sea level to high alpine elevations, in many environmental conditions, and can grow on almost any surface. Lichens are abundant growing on bark, leaves, mosses, on other lichens, and hanging from branches "living on thin air" (epiphytes) in rain forests and in temperate woodland. They grow on rock, walls, gravestones, roofs, exposed soil surfaces, and in the soil as part of a biological soil crust. Different kinds of lichens have adapted to survive in some of the most extreme environments on Earth: [[Antarctica]], hot dry deserts, rocky coasts, and toxic slag heaps. They can even live inside solid rock, growing between the grains.

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	===Adaptations to Antarctica===		===Adaptations to Antarctica===
			[[File:Lichen-Orange.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Bright orange lichen covering an Antarctic rock.]]
	Lichens have a number of adaptations that enable them to survive in Antarctica. They are able to exhibit net photosynthesis while frozen at temperatures as low as -20°C. They can absorb water from a saturated atmosphere when covered by snow. Additionally, snow cover affords protection from the elements and most growth appears to occur when they are buried beneath at least a thin protective layer of snow.		Lichens have a number of adaptations that enable them to survive in Antarctica. They are able to exhibit net photosynthesis while frozen at temperatures as low as -20°C. They can absorb water from a saturated atmosphere when covered by snow. Additionally, snow cover affords protection from the elements and most growth appears to occur when they are buried beneath at least a thin protective layer of snow.

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	===As a food===		===As a food===
			[[File:Lichen-loaf.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Two freshly cooked loaves of wila (Bryoria fremontii), an arboreal hair lichen that is edible.]]
	There are records of lichens being used as food by many different human cultures across the world. Lichens are eaten by people in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and perhaps elsewhere. Often lichens are merely famine foods eaten in times of dire needs, but in some cultures lichens are a staple food or even a delicacy. 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 cultures have discovered preparation techniques to overcome these problems. Lichens are often thoroughly washed, boiled, or soaked in ash water to help remove secondary compounds.		There are records of lichens being used as food by many different human cultures across the world. Lichens are eaten by people in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and perhaps elsewhere. Often lichens are merely famine foods eaten in times of dire needs, but in some cultures lichens are a staple food or even a delicacy. 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 cultures have discovered preparation techniques to overcome these problems. Lichens are often thoroughly washed, boiled, or soaked in ash water to help remove secondary compounds.

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	===As an alcoholic drink===		===As an alcoholic drink===