Utah
Why you should care about these organisms scattered throughout the Southern Utah desert
Lichen discovered at Snow Canyon State Park, Utah, Sept. 23. These odd-looking organisms are present in all kinds of environments and climates and may survive in excessive situations. (Alysha Lundgren, St. George Information)
Estimated learn time: Lower than a minute
ST. GEORGE — These alien-like organisms that cling to rocks, earth or bushes are one thing people often stroll previous – however what precisely are they?
Lichens are composite organisms, which suggests they’re really made up of two distinct organisms, mentioned Dr. Jacqualine Grant, an affiliate professor in Southern Utah College’s geosciences division. One of many organisms is fungi and the opposite is cyanobacteria, which additionally bears the frequent identify blue-green algae.
Regardless of bearing the identify “algae,” cyanobacteria are a part of the micro organism kingdom Monera, in response to the US Forest Service’s web site about lichen.
“The ‘blue’ within the frequent identify refers to the truth that they should stay in water, and “inexperienced algae” refers to their photosynthetic skills.”
Learn the total article at St. George Information.