Lichens on a Limb

by
Jerry Evans

Purpose

The students are required to compare likenesses and differences among the lichens by separating then into the three major groups and then determining the number of different lichens within each group.


Season

All



Materials




Procedure

  1. Review the lichen taxonomy as covered on the student worksheet.
  2. Pass out several limbs to each group of two to four students. ( Make sure that the limbs contain all three major groups.)
  3. Have students to remove the lichens from the limbs entact and separate them into the three major groups.
  4. Within each of the three groups of lichens have the students determine the number of different kinds present. (These different kinds do not have to be identified to species, but only if they are different.)
  5. Record the results of the observations and compare the results among the groups of students.



Questions

  1. Which group of lichens displays the most kinds and why?
  2. Which group of lichens has the greatest and least biomass and why?
  3. Can any preference where the different groups occur on the limb be observed? Describe any such observations.
  4. Can any other organisms other than lichens be found associated with the lichens? (Direst or indirect evidence)Describe any such observed associations.



Extensions

  1. Students can collect and identify to species lichens with the assistance of "Lichens of the Miller Springs Nature Center".
  2. Collections can be made of lichens that occur on rocks and the soil.
  3. Miniature landscapes with houses and such can be constructed using lichens and a little spray paint.