| Abstract |
Lichens are a diverse and speciose group of organisms that have colonized every continent on the planet. They occur on virtually all natural substrates, as well as numerous synthetic substrates, and play essential roles in healthy terrestrial ecosystem. Similar to other groups of inconspicuous organisms, lichens are underrepresented in almost every facet of biological research, and much about them, including diversity, ecology, distribution, medicinal uses, etc. remains hidden under a veil of obscurity. In this study, two comprehensive surveys of lichens were conducted at two different properties owned by Kent State University. A specimen of each species found was collected for each site in order to increase lichen representation in local herbaria. A total of 91 species were found, all of which were included in a dichotomous key in order to provide identification capability for a novel combination of lichen species.
|
| Modified Abstract |
Lichens are a diverse and speciose group of organisms that have colonized every continent on the planet. However, lichens are underrepresented in almost every facet of biological research, and much about them remains hidden under a veil of obscurity. This study focused on studying the lichens of two properties, collecting specimens to increase herbarium representation, and composing a dichotomous key to a novel combination of lichen species.
|
