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ciliate reindeer lichen
Scientific Name: Cladina ciliata var. ciliata
Family: Cladoniaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Ciliate Reindeer Lichen (Cladina ciliata)
The Ciliate Reindeer Lichen, scientifically known as Cladina ciliata, is a fascinating lichen species. It's also known by the common name, ciliate reindeer lichen.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cladina ciliata (Stirt.) Trass
- Rank: Species
- Family: Cladoniaceae
- Group: Lichen
- Synonyms/Variations:
- Cladina ciliata (Stirt.) Trass var. ciliata
- Cladina ciliata (Stirt.) Trass var. tenuis
Distribution and Habitat
- National Distribution: Canada
- Origin: Unknown/Undetermined
- Regularity: Regularly occurring
Ecological Role
- Reindeer lichens such as Cladina ciliata and Cladonia rangiferina serve as a crucial food source for reindeer and caribou, especially during winter months. The Sami people in Scandinavia and other reindeer herders rely on these lichens for their livestock.
Morphological Characteristics
- Ciliate Reindeer Lichen is a fruticose lichen, meaning it has a branching, shrub-like growth form.
- Some lichens, including reindeer lichens, exhibit ciliate margins, which are edges with hair-like projections (cilia).
- Similar to Cladonia rangiferina, but perhaps not ashy white.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Lichens, including Cladina ciliata, form complex symbiotic relationships with bacteria, ciliated protozoa, and fungi.
- They are a key component of the diet for reindeer, influencing the rumen microbial digestion and the composition of the rumen microbiota.
- Some ciliate species are found within lichens.
Further Information
- ARKive (mentioned in connection to "Ciliate strap-lichen")
- USDA (mentioned in connection to common name)