Antarctic Vegetation Oases II. Lichens

Gloser J.

p. 69-72
Lichens are among the most successful autotrophic macro-organisms of non-glaciated parts of Antarctica. Their dense and species-rich growth formations can be found not only in climatically relatively mild localities of the western part of the continent but also in much harsher areas. Several species survive even far inland, in the area with hard freezing throughout the year. Lichens can grow even in rocks open to wind, at altitudes above 2 400 m. They grow slowly, but can survive hundreds of years. The survival of lichens in the most extreme conditions is the result of a whole range of peculiarities in their inner structure and in their physiological functions.

 PDF version of this article is available

  Tento článek získal ocenění: Zvláštní ocenění časopisu Živa