Lichen Biology
Cambridge University Press
Edition: 2, 6/26/2008
EAN 9780521692168, ISBN10: 0521692164
Paperback, 502 pages, 24.6 x 17.3 x 2.3 cm
Language: English
Lichens are symbiotic organisms in which fungi and algae and/or cyanobacteria form an intimate biological union. This diverse group is found in almost all terrestrial habitats from the tropics to polar regions. In this second edition, four completely new chapters cover recent developments in the study of these fascinating organisms, including lichen genetics and sexual reproduction, stress physiology and symbiosis, and the carbon economy and environmental role of lichens. The whole text has been fully updated, with chapters covering anatomical, morphological and developmental aspects; the contribution of the unique secondary metabolites produced by lichens to medicine and the pharmaceutical industry; patterns of lichen photosynthesis and respiration in relation to different environmental conditions; the role of lichens in nitrogen fixation and mineral cycling; and the use of lichens as indicators of air pollution. This is a valuable reference for both students and researchers interested in lichenology.
Preface T. H. Nash III
1. Introduction T. H. Nash III
2. Photobionts T. Friedl and B. Büdel
3. Mycobionts R. Honegger
4. Thallus morphology and anatomy B. Büdel and C. Scheidegger
5. Morphogenesis R. Honegger
6. Sexual reproduction in lichen-forming ascomycetes R. Honegger and S. Scherrer
7. Biochemistry and secondary metabolites J. A. Elix and E. Stocker-Wörgötter
8. Stress physiology and the symbiosis R. P. Beckett, I. Kranner and F. V. Minibayeva
9. Physiological ecology of carbon dioxide exchange T. G. A. Green, T. H. Nash III and O. L. Lange
10. The carbon economy of lichens K. Palmqvist, L. Dahlman, A. Jonsson and T. H. Nash III
11. Nitrogen, its metabolism and potential contribution to ecosystems T. H. Nash III
12. Nutrients, elemental accumulation and mineral cycling T. H. Nash III
13. Individuals and populations of lichens D. Fahselt
14. Environmental role of lichens M. R. D. Seaward
15. Lichen sensitivity to air pollution T. H. Nash III
16. Lichen biogeography D. J. Galloway
17. Systematics of lichenized fungi A. Tehler and M. Wedin
Appendix. Culture methods for lichens and lichen symbionts E. Stocker-Wörgötter and A. Hager
References
Index.
From a review of the first edition: '... provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the fascinating world of lichens ... a well written book with information presented in a way that is easy to grasp ... has the potential to fulfill the author's intention not only to attract lichenologists, but also students and scientists in related fields.' S. Dietz, Journal of Experimental Botany