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GROWTH CURVE OF THE LICHEN RHIZOCARPON GEOGRAPHICUM
Author(s) -
ARMSTRONG R. A.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.1983.tb04870.x
Subject(s) - lichen , thallus , growth rate , zoology , growth curve (statistics) , relative growth rate , mathematics , mineralogy , biology , botany , geology , geometry , statistics
S ummary Data on the growth curve of the lichen Rhizocarpon geographicum were obtained by measuring the radial growth rates (mm per 1.5 years) of 39 thalli from 2 to 65 mm in diameter growing in the same environment. An Aplin and Hill plot ( r i – r 1 against In r 2 – In r 1 ) of the data and regression analyses suggested an initial phase of growth (up to a diameter of about 7 mm) in which the relative growth rate increased rapidly. This was followed by a phase in which the relative growth rate fell but the radial growth, rate continued to rise (7 to 20 mm in diameter). Radial growth was then relatively constant until about 45 mm diameter and then declined. The Aplin and Hill model did not fit the data as a whole but may apply for a transient period in thalli between about 7 and 16 mm in diameter. This curve shows some similarities to that suggested by lichenometric studies but differs in showing a less steep decline in growth rate after the ‘great’ period.