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.
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Creative#:
TOP10167898
Source:
達志影像
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RM
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須由TPG 完整授權
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