Woodlands.co.uk

An Introduction to Lichen

By woodlandstv

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"What actually is a lichen?" In this film, we learn about the structure and function of lichen, as well as the three main growth forms and how to identify different lichen forms. Lichenologist Joe Hope invites us to have a closer look at the fascinating lichen ecosystem especially the relationship between lichen and algae. He clearly explains some key terms that will help you understand more about the lichens in your local woodland.

A film for woodlands.co.uk by Jemma Cholawo


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Discussion

yeah we know very little about fungi in general, let alone the very diverse world of lichens and mushrooms

s

November 27, 2019

just like mushrooms, yes some of them are

s

November 27, 2019

incorrect……lichens are not 'part' of the evolution of plants or animals, they are independent. lichens like mushrooms evolved independently of both plants and animals and are much older and much much MORE diverse than plants or animals combined…….lichens have both plant and animal characteristics, including a living nervous system that can respond to threats…..in fact, lichens do not even fit into the evolution of plants or animals, meaning fungi may have spread to earth through panspermia or spread through space on meteors or comets….fungi are truly alien lifeforms…..fungi are the only reason any of us are alive…..fungi allowed human intelligence to develop, allowed anti-biotics to develop allowing for a much bigger human population, allowed for large scale agriculture to feed billions of people…….and fungi may be the one lifeform capable of wiping out humanity in order to protect life on earth

s

November 27, 2019

Lichens and mushrooms may be the most important lifeform to study to save life on earth…….lichens are not 'part' of the evolution of plants or animals, they are independent. lichens like mushrooms evolved independently of both plants and animals and are much older and much much MORE diverse than plants or animals combined…….lichens have both plant and animal characteristics, including a living nervous system that can respond to threats…..in fact, lichens do not even fit into the evolution of plants or animals, meaning fungi may have spread to earth through panspermia or spread through space on meteors or comets….fungi are truly alien lifeforms…..fungi are the only reason any of us are alive…..fungi allowed human intelligence to develop, allowed anti-biotics to develop allowing for a much bigger human population, allowed for large scale agriculture to feed billions of people…….and fungi may be the one lifeform capable of wiping out humanity in order to protect life on earth

s

November 27, 2019

Fabulous! Good show ole chap.

STEWART BRANDS

December 2, 2019

what is that sweet little magnifier called? gotta get me one

Raei Bridges

January 2, 2020

Do lichens co-exist with other lichens of a different genre, or do they encroach on each other and get into territorial scrapes over who belongs where? Do the flat ones dig themselves under the leafy ones for shelter?

Peter Goble

January 10, 2020

Great video man, it’s not easy describing something that we all don’t completely understand entirely yet. A great ancient use of lichens was extracting dye from them, Tyrian purple was the most sought after colour back in old times. Peace.

TITAN0402

January 24, 2020

Its called a hand lens or loupe. You want one with LED illumination. Search for LED loupe on ebay.

animistix

February 20, 2020

Peace indeed.

The collection and processing of cudbear (Ochrolechis sp.) for dyes was a very large industry in 18th and 19th Century Scotland https://www.scottisharchivesforschools.org/naturalScotland/Cudbear.asp

animistix

February 20, 2020