A concise introduction to lichen biology and ecology, describing over 250 Irish species with color photographs and a guide to chemical tests, fieldwork, and how to heek a herbarium.

"The Lichen Flora of Great Britain and Ireland published in 1992 was an outstanding achievement for British Lichenology. It was a pioneering work and the first of its type in Europe. This much enlarged revision reflects the considerable accumulation of new information that has occurred since the publication of the first edition and is symptomatic of the enormous advances in lichen taxonomy over the last two decades. There are keys to 327 genera and 1873 species, which is an increase of 386 species since it was first published. The publication provides detailed information on morphology, chemistry and distribution for each species written in language that is readily accessible, avoiding obscure terminology. Both the glossary and introductory sections have been expanded and the latter includes helpful advice on the identification and examination of lichens. The preparation of this new treatment has involved a large number of contributors both in the UK and overseas and represents the culmination of lichen studies at this time. This book is undoubtedly the standard work for the identification of lichens in Great Britain and Ireland and will be indispensable to all serious students of British, Irish and overseas lichenology and other biologists working in related fields of ecology, pollution, chemical and environmental studies."--Publisher's description.

A broad-ranging review of organisms which have long-fascinated biologists, ecologists and chemists.

Lichens have the capability to dissolve granite. They are very colorful; oranges, yellows, greens, blacks and whites adorn trees, bedrock and even gravestones. This field guide spotlights 120 species, shown in color photos with natural history text.

Lichens make excellent material for field studies throughout the year and are valuable for the detection and mapping of pollution. This book provides an overview of the value of lichens for monitoring a range of potentially harmful substances including sulphur dioxide, fluorides, PCBs, metals and radioactive elements. In each section background information is provided and case studies briefly described to enable the reader to appreciate the potential applications of lichens for monitoring each type of environmental pollutant. To help with the problems of identifying lichens, coloured illustrations are provided of species that commonly grow on trees together with an identification key and direction to more advanced texts for lichens growing on other surfaces.