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Lichens: another kind of annual growth

Have you ever noticed the patches of colorful plant life that sometimes grow on rocks and buildings? Some resemble greenish-brown stains, while others look like blotches of mold. When examined closely, some appear to be tiny forests of hairy branches. These are actually a unique and fascinating life form called lichensAn organism composed of a fungus and a photosynthetic organism in a symbiotic relationship.. Scientists who study lichens are known as lichenologists. One of the most renowned lichenologists was Beatrix Potter, the author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Though better known for her children's stories, Potter devoted much of her time to the study of lichens and produced detailed watercolor illustrations of different lichen forms.

Lichens are far more complex than they appear. Each lichen...

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1. Introduction
2. How does a tree grow?
3. Lichens: another kind of annual growth
4. Lichens can survive harsh environments
5. Experiment 1 - Tree Growth: What can be learned from the growth patterns of trees?
6. Experiment 2 - Lichen Growth: What can be learned from the environment by observing lichens?
7. Design Your Own Experiment