Macrophotograph of a lichen Xanthoria aureola,growing on a flint church wall,Norfolk,UK,showing orange disc-shaped apothecia or spore producing bodies. Visible also are isidia,small warty outgrowths which detach & start a new plant. Symbiotic organisms,lichens consist of an algal & a fungal partner. The fungus benefits from the photosynthetic activity of the alga. The advantage to the alga remains unclear,but may lie in protection from drought & intense light. Slow growing organisms (1-2mm per year),they live to immense ages,colonising tree trunks,soil,rock,& mortar. Lichens are sensitive to sulphur dioxide & hence used to monitor air pollution | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Burgess, Dr. Jeremy |
Taille de l’image : | 4936 px × 4951 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |