Rock-shield Lichen – 4/16/19

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 4/16/19

Observation Time: 12:55 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Rock-shield Lichen

Scientific Name: Xanthoparmelia sp.

Comments: A lichen is a composite organism that emerges from algae or cyanobacteria living among the filaments of the fungi in a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship. The fungi benefit from the carbohydrates produced by the algae or cyanobacteria via photosynthesis. The algae or cyanobacteria benefit by being protected from the environment by the filaments of the fungi, which also gather moisture and nutrients from the environment, and (usually) provide an anchor to it.

More Information: Project Noah and Wikipedia