Showing posts with label lichen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lichen. Show all posts

Monday, December 23, 2024

Lichens on Tasmanian rocks

Arriving at The Bay of Fires…
Veronica: It was named by Tobias Furneaux. He saw the fires of Aboriginal people burning on the beaches. But I think these red rocks could also be a reason. They look like they're on fire.
Rebecca: The red color comes from lichen. Do you know much about lichen?
Veronica: Do you know much about lichen?
Rebecca: They can survive in challenging environments, like rocks or even colorsteel roofs.
Veronica: Ah, the lichen that grows on your roof you’re talking about?
Rebecca: Yep. Grows slowly, so the lichen here is probably pretty ancient.
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Voice-over
Lichens are a partnership, a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. The fungi provide structure and protection, while the algae or cyanobacteria produce food through photosynthesis. Thriving in a clean air environment, they are a useful bioindicator.