Lichen Biology

Fully updated with four new chapters, this second edition is a valuable lichenology reference for students and researchers.

Thomas H. Nash, III (Edited by)

9780521871624, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 26 June 2008

502 pages, 200 b/w illus. 21 tables
25.3 x 18 x 2.8 cm, 1.12 kg

'This new edition is most welcome … a work all mycological (including lichenological) libraries should have available for consultation on their shelves.' Mycological Research

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.

Subject Areas: Botany & plant sciences [PST], Mycology, fungi [non-medical PSQ]