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ciliate reindeer lichen
Scientific Name: Cladina ciliata
Family: Cladoniaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Cladina ciliata (Stirt.) Trass - Ciliate Reindeer Lichen
Cladina ciliata, commonly known as ciliate reindeer lichen, is a fascinating lichen species belonging to the family Cladoniaceae.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cladina ciliata (Stirt.) Trass
- Rank: Species
- Family: Cladoniaceae
- Group: Lichen
- Synonym: Cladina ciliata (Stirt.) Trass var. ciliata
Distribution and Habitat
This lichen is regularly occurring in Canada, although its exact origin is currently unknown/undetermined.
Ecological Role
Reindeer lichens like Cladina ciliata are economically important to reindeer herders, such as the Sami in Scandinavia, as they serve as a primary food source for reindeer, especially during winter months. The lichen is ingested and digested with the help of ciliate protozoa in the reindeer's rumen.
Associations with Other Organisms
- Cladina ciliata, like other lichens, forms a symbiotic relationship with algae or cyanobacteria.
- It serves as a food source for reindeer and caribou, contributing to their diet and rumen microbiota.
- Ciliate protozoa in the rumen of reindeer aid in the digestion of lichens.
Quirky Facts
- The term "ciliate" refers to the presence of hair-like projections on an edge. Although the source text does not clarify which part of this lichen presents "ciliae," its name, Ciliate Reindeer Lichen, suggests a visual characteristic.
- Reindeer lichens are not actually mosses, despite often being called "reindeer moss." They are a complex life form composed of both fungi and algae or cyanobacteria.
Further Information
- Learn more on ARKive about the Ciliate strap-lichen.
- USDA provides information about the Ciliate reindeer lichen.