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Difference between revisions of "Lichen"
added links to Antarctic lichens
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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=== | ||
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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. | ||
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== | ||
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== | ||
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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:Plants of Westarctica]] | [[Category:Plants of Westarctica]] | ||