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.
ISBN-13: 9780521692168
Media Type: Paperback
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication Date: 06-24-2008
Pages: 502
Product Dimensions: 6.80(w) x 9.60(h) x 1.00(d)
Thomas H. Nash III is Professor of Plant Biology in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University. He has over 35 years teaching experience in Ecology, Lichenology and Statistics, and has taught in Austria (Fulbright Fellowship) and conducted research in Australia, Germany (junior and senior von Humbolt Foundation fellowships), Mexico and South America, and the USA. He has co-authored five previous books and over 200 scientific articles.
What People are Saying About This
From the Publisher
"This completely updated second edition, with four new chapters, will bring any library collection up to date on lichen biology and complement current holdings."
L. Swatzell for Choice
"... provides a wonderfully complete picture of these wonderful hybrid organisms, from their development and physiology to their important ecological roles. This book belongs in all college and university libraries as well as the shelves of those teaching advanced courses in plant biology that in any way touches topics important to lichens (e.g. stress physiology)."
Douglas Darnowski for Plant Science Bulletin
Table of Contents
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.
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