![]() Similarly, pollution inhibits lichen in urban areas - traffic produces nitrogen which damages the algae that makes food for lichen. Deforestation also impacts these - if host trees are destroyed, so are the lichen on them. Species migration is at work now, with global warming forcing animals and treelines to move to higher, cooler altitudes - lichen at 4,000 metres and in Arctic regions could be affected. But lichen face threats now - senior lichenologists who helped develop our park explained that lichen found in alpine regions could be affected by growing climate change. It offers a source of income - in Kumaon, some villages collect lichen to sell to traders for its many uses. ![]() In Uttarakhand, lichen is locally called ‘jhoolaghas’ or ‘patthar ke phool’ as it often appears on rocks. The quality of our ambience thus reflects in the diversity of lichens. Forest Birds, Constant Light Air Tone, Happy Chirping Birds, Day Ambience, Sp. These are also bioindicators of pollution - not having roots or structures like other plants, they depend on the atmosphere for air and water. Explore 8,010 results for forest ambience in the Pond5 Sound Effects collection. In deserts, lichen form a crust over the surface, retaining moisture - only in such spots do desert trees grow. They thus play a foundational role in enabling all life. ![]() They also enhance soil chemically, releasing minerals from rocks. These weather rocks, creating soil - the basis of all life. Between six to eight percent of Earth’s surface is covered by lichen, with over 15,000 known species. Importantly, lichen are ‘pioneer species’ or among the most ancient organisms on Earth - they are the first to appear on barren rocks, in deserts and icy terrain and after disturbances like landslides. ![]() Formed via a symbiotic relationship between fungus and algae, they resemble a micro-ecosystem and with lower plants like mosses, they attract insects, birds, snails, frogs and little animals needing food, habitat and shelter. Lichen are nature’s emblem of coexistence. BRANCHING OUT: Usnea orientalis, used in medicines, often grows on twigs. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |