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Assorted lichens above.
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| Research has indicated that lichens and some very small organisms living on them can be used to assess
atmospheric levels of sulfur dioxide, SO2. Lichens are unique organisms composed of either
an algae or a cyanobacteria living in a symbiotic relationship with a fungus. When they are
exposed to some kinds of air pollutants, especially to SO2, lichens are injured and die. Tardigrades (water bears) live on the lichen and are an interesting organism for study all on their own!
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How much of a tree that lichens cover may make a good indicator of air pollution in the area. The effect
of these pollutants may also be observed on the distribution and diversity of a simple
community living on the lichens, the tardigrades. Determining the percent lichen coverage on the tree and tardigrade
density and diversity in your area may lead you to
discover some interesting patterns on where and how these organisms lead. The may also lead you to ask research questions about why things are the way they are. Let's
begin by asking some questions that will help focus this interesting work.
You can begin this project by clicking on the Research Focus in Creating the Context.
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