Lichenology studies the amazingly diverse group of plant-like organisms called lichens. Lichens are found throughout the world and are actually a symbiotic partnership between algae and fungi. Some can live for 100s of years and are important indicators of environmental quality, especially the air we breathe.
Ph.D., University of the World – Biodiversity
USDA Forest Service Scientist
Lichenology studies the amazingly diverse group of plant-like organisms called lichens. Lichens are found throughout the world and are actually a symbiotic partnership between algae and fungi. Some can live for 100s of years and are important indicators of environmental quality, especially the air we breathe.
A lichenologist is someone who studies lichens in their natural habitat. Lichens are made up of more than one organism, but the main partners are fungi and algae. The fungal partner is the body of the lichen we can see easily in nature, while the algal partner is hidden inside the fungal layers.
M.S., Arizona State University
USDA Forest Service Scientist
A lichenologist is someone who studies lichens in their natural habitat. Lichens are made up of more than one organism, but the main partners are fungi and algae. The fungal partner is the body of the lichen we can see easily in nature, while the algal partner is hidden inside the fungal layers.
