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Michigan
Lichens
Julie Jones Medlin |
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Lichens
are used almost universally to explain mutualism to biology students, but
few people would recognize them underfoot or adorning trees and rocks. This
book aims to make it easier for the reader to become acquainted with a few
of these beautiful and fascinating dual-organisms.
The book is restricted to the more common species
of the hundreds found in Michigan with some of the more unusual species
added because of their exceptional color or interesting form. Most of the
examples are also found well beyond Michigan's borders, however, and some
are found worldwide.
Many people have remarked that once a few lichens are brought to their attention,
they see them everywhere. Indeed lichens are ubiquitous and not all that
inconspicuous to the experienced eye. Since they are slow growing, have
a long life-span, and change little through the seasons, they may be observed
at any time of year, unlike most other wildlife. |
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Julie
Jones Medlin is a native Michigander who has lived her entire life in the
Great Lakes State. She taught in the Biology Department at Northwestern
Michigan College in Traverse City until her retirment in 2004. |