Files
Download Full Text (2.6 MB)
Description
A lichen is a composite, symbiotic partnership of a fungus and photosynthetic algae or cyanobacteria. These organisms provide stability to ecosystems through provision of nutrients and microhabitats to fauna and absorption of pollutants and large particulates in the air, serving as great indicators of environmental conditions. The purpose of this research was to document the diversity of three commonly encountered, though not easily discerned, foliose lichen genera found in Carter Caves State Resort Park: Phaeophyscia, Physcia, and Physciella. These three lichen genera are found to be small to medium sized, greenish grey, olive, or brown in color, and inhabit various substrates. Correct identification among these genera is necessary for cataloging species, and for better understanding of lichen biodiversity.
Publication Date
4-16-2025
Disciplines
Higher Education | Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Recommended Citation
Offill, Payton A. and Risk, Allen C., "Cataloguing Shadow (Phaeophyscia), Rosette (Physcia), and Cryptic Rosette (Physciella) Lichens of Carter Caves State Resort Park" (2025). 2025 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations. 53.
https://scholarworks.moreheadstate.edu/celebration_posters_2025/53