Lichen assocIations include some of the oldest living organisms and represent a major nutritional method adopted by one in five fungi. Major advances in our knowledge of these biologically fascinating organisms have been made in recent years and they now have a great deal to offer to teaching in colleges and universities. In addition to being examples of biotrophic systems, they merit discussion in courses on fungal phylogeny, fungal nutrition, ecology, ecophysiology, biogeography, evolution, chemo taxonomy, environmental monitoring, and algology. As all aspects of lichenology cannot be treated adequately in a book of this length, we have emphasized topics which we have found to be of particular interest to a advanced undergraduate and postgraduate biologists (or biogeographers) or those contemplating more detailed studies in particular areas. Consequently we have endeavoured to place lichen associations in the broader context of biological and biogeographical teaching. Examples are drawn from many areas of the world, including North America, but it is inevitable that European ones predominate, as lichens there are better known than in other regions. Technical terms are defined when first used, and definitions can therefore be located with the aid of the index. Lichens are not a systematic group and so are not appropriately treated in a groups-orientated programme, but are a major biological phenomenon all too commonly accorded scant attention in university courses.

The Lichens covers the structure and development, physiology of the intact thallus, environmental response and effects, secondary metabolic products, and symbiont interactions of lichens. This book is divided into five parts encompassing 19 chapters. It also includes appendices consist of a taxonomic scheme, methods for isolating and culturing lichen symbionts and thalli, and methods for isolating and identifying lichen substances. The first part of this book describes the original fungal cell and its development into specialized cells of which the various tissues and thalli are composed. This is followed by discussions on sexual reproduction of ascolichens and basidiolichens and on systematic criteria for the definition of taxa in different hierarchical steps. This book also explains the types of propagules produced by lichens and the submicroscopical investigations of lichens, including phycobiont and mycobionts' substructure and symbiotic relationship. The second part of this book examines the physiological aspects of lichens. It includes discussions on metal cation uptake and translocation in vascular plants and on lichens' role in rock weathering and soil formation. This part also studies photosynthetic rates and nitrogen absorption and metabolism by the intact thallus of lichens. Succeeding chapters discuss physiological and morphological responses of lichens to the most important environmental factors and the relationship of these factors to lichen distribution. Substrate preferences of lichens and their causes and implications with regard to the ecology, distribution, and taxonomy of lichens are also examined. This text also discusses lichen thalli growth, methods of measurement, and factors influencing growth. Finally, the concluding parts deal with the biosynthesis of lichen substances, secondary metabolic products, and symbiotic relations of lichens to fungi and algae. This multi-authored book is an ideal source of information for researchers, teachers, and students who wish to broaden their knowledge in the diversity of lichenology.

This book focuses on two families of lichenized ascomycetes: Pyrenulaceae and Trypetheliaceae. It illustrated the majority of the accepted species in these families, which are most diverse on bark in tropical regions, most especially the Amazon. Fully updated dichotomous identification keys are given to all species in these families and to some similar groups and species, especially those in the same habitat, several of which are also illustrated in full. The illustrations are made from relatively recent material which still shows all characters, including gelatinous ascopore sheaths. For relatively recently described species, often type material is illustrated.

A comprehensive, up-to-date review of lichens as biomonitors of air pollution (bioindication, metal and radionuclide accumulation, biomarkers), and as monitors of environmental change (including global climate change and biodiversity loss) in a wide array of terrestrial habitats. Several methods for using lichens as biomonitors are described in a special section of the book.