Buellia maharajensis Latest News
Researchers have discovered a new species of lichen, Buellia maharajensis, in Mathikettan Shola National Park.Â
About Buellia maharajensis
- It is a new species of lichen.
- It is the fourth lichen variety discovered within Mathikettan Shola National Park, Kerala.
- Features of Buellia maharajensis
- It is saxicolous lichen that grows directly on rock surfaces and was recorded at an elevation of approximately 1,351 m.
Key Facts about Lichen
- A lichen is a symbiosis between different organisms — a fungus and an algae or cyanobacterium.
- The basis of their relationship is the mutual benefit that they provide each other.Â
- The photosynthetic algae or cyanobacteria form simple carbohydrates that, when excreted, are absorbed by fungi cells and transformed into a different carbohydrate.Â
- They also produce vitamins that the fungi need.Â
- Fungi contribute to the symbiosis by absorbing water vapour from the air and by providing much-needed shade for the light-sensitive algae beneath.
- The composite body of a lichen is called a thallus (plural thalli); the body is anchored to its substrate by hairlike growths called rhizines.
- Lichens are found worldwide and occur in a variety of environmental conditions.Â
- Habitat: A diverse group of organisms, they can colonize a wide range of surfaces and are frequently found on tree bark, exposed rock, and as a part of biological soil crust.
Source: THb
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Buellia maharajensis FAQs
Q1: What is Buellia maharajensis ?
Ans: Lichen
Q2: Where did Buellia maharajensis was discover?
Ans: Mathikettan Shola National Park, Kerala.
