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Influence of Temperature and Humidity on Distribution of Lichens in a Minnesota Bog
Author(s) -
Pearson L. C.
Publication year - 1969
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/1936275
Subject(s) - lichen , bark (sound) , environmental science , crustose , humidity , botany , bog , ecology , peat , biology , geography , meteorology
Near the open center of the bog, where light intensity was higher and average relative humidity lower than in the neighboring woods, lichen cover on the bark of trees was significantly higher (over 50° of bark covered) than in the woods. Lichens were still abundant in the crowns of the trees, although considerably reduced on the bark of trees in the woods. Over 20 kinds of lichens were observed, but Parmeilia caperata, Evernia mesomorpha, and P. sulcata made up 98% of the lichen cover on the trunks of the trees. Most lichens favored the lower and more variable humidity which prevailed at 80—160 cm above the ground. Parmelia caperata, Evernia mesomorpha, P. subrudecta, and Usnea comosa appear to be good indicators of moisture conditions, while P. caperata, P. sulcata, P. physodes, and some crustose lichens are indicators of temperature and light. Lichen distribution suggests that variation of environmental conditions, especially moisture, is of greater significance than maintenance of so—called optimum conditions. Lichen cover and microtopography were positively associated, and lichens may be regarded as good indicators of microclimatic conditions.