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map lichen
Scientific Name: Rhizocarpon alaxense
Family: Rhizocarpaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Rhizocarpon geographicum: The Map Lichen
Rhizocarpon geographicum, commonly known as the map lichen, is a distinctive species of lichen found in specific environments.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Rhizocarpon geographicum
- Common Name: Map Lichen
- Family: Rhizocarpaceae
- Kingdom: (Not explicitly stated, but inferred to be Fungi)
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
Distribution and Habitat
- This lichen thrives on rocks, particularly in mountainous areas.
- It prefers locations with low air pollution.
- Specific locations mentioned include:
- Rocky Mountains
- Mt. Monadnock, New Hampshire
- Acadia National Park in Maine
- Victoria Island, Nunavut, Arctic Canada
- Neuschonau, Germany
- Grand Teton National Park
Morphological Characteristics
- Each lichen forms a flat patch on the rock surface.
- These patches are bordered by black, spore-producing structures, creating a map-like appearance.
- The thallus (body) of the lichen is typically yellow-green to bright yellow.
- It is a crustose lichen, meaning it forms a crust-like layer tightly adhered to the rock.
Ecological Role
- Lichens, including Rhizocarpon geographicum, can be indicators of environmental quality, particularly air pollution levels.
- The diversity of lichen species in an area can be used to map and assess environmental conditions.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Lichens are symbiotic organisms, consisting of a fungus and an alga that mutually benefit one another.
- Rhizocarpon geographicum can be found growing alongside other crustose lichens such as Aspicilia and Dimelaena.
- It may also grow alongside other lichen types such as Diploicia canescens (Brain Lichen).
Quirky Facts
- The map lichen is so-called because the black borders around each tiny lichen resemble borders on a map when viewed up close.
- Some crustose lichens, including Rhizocarpon geographicum, are known to grow exceedingly slowly and can live for thousands of years.
Further Information
- Data derived from the BLS database (as of November 28, 2012) may provide further details.