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Catapyrenium globosum: Globe Earth Lichen

Catapyrenium globosum, commonly known as Globe Earth Lichen, is a fascinating lichen species belonging to the Verrucariaceae family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Catapyrenium globosum J.W. Thomson
• Common Name: Globe Earth Lichen
• Family: Verrucariaceae
• Genus: Catapyrenium Flotow
• Synonyms: Earth Lichen (implied by the mention of Catapyrenium caeruleopulvinum as "Earth Lichen" and other related species)

Distribution and Habitat

• Catapyrenium globosum and related lichens are found in diverse habitats around the globe, including:
  • Pennsylvania (covering rocks and mosses)
  • Arctic tundra (along with Reindeer Moss)
  • Cold northernmost regions
  • Various sites around the globe (used in lichenometry studies)
• Specifically mentioned is the fact that barnacle lichen (Thelotrema petractoides), a relative, is found in a handful of locations across the globe.

Ecological Role

• Lichens are among the first organisms to colonize bare rock surfaces.
• They play a role in oxygen production and nitrogen fixation, particularly cyanolichens.
• Lichens contribute to soil development through biological weathering.
• They serve as a dominant food source for reindeer in extreme environments.
• Lichens have survived in Mars-like conditions, displaying remarkable adaptation abilities.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens provide habitat for various organisms. They have been found to house aquatic and terrestrial habitats, living within lichens, plants and animals.
• They are part of terricolous (earth-dwelling) cyanolichen communities.
• Lichens are eaten by reindeer.

Quirky Facts

• Lichens are not single organisms, but composite organisms resulting from a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria.
• Some lichens are thought to be among the oldest living things on Earth.

Further Information

• NASA's Earth Science Picture of the Day
• Haeckel's Kunstformen der Natur 1904