It is very easy to lapse into superlatives for "The Lives of" series of books by Princeton University Press, but praise is richly deserved. This splendid volume on lichens is no exception to the rule of excellence.
Robert Lücking and Toby Spribille have done a first rate job from the first page to the last, presenting impeccable science, infused with tidbits of humour. Furthermore, the book is illustrated with magnificent photographs depicting lichens in all their enigmatic and glorious diversity.
Lichens are ubiquitous throughout the world, surviving, indeed thriving, in the most inhospitable regions, from scorching deserts to harsh, polar landscapes. They have the ability to recover from complete desiccation, yet despite this resilience lichens are sensitive to various forms of pollution and anthropogenic contamination. In a quote attributed to the distinguished ecologist, Kenneth Mellanby, it was deemed a measure of a favourable air quality if one could identify it as "air fit for lichens, water fit for trout."
These unique organisms, a combination of fungi and algae or cyanobacteria, have been well studied, but much still remains mysterious about the lives of lichens. Neither plant nor animal, they are intriguing and merit further study.
The opportunities for combined investigation by citizen-scientists and academics offer a wide scope for future investigation.
Who knows what possible benefits for humans may lie in store, with curative agents yet unknown? Lichen is seldom used as food by humans, but it is essential to the survival of some mammals, particularly the Caribou of the north, who survive the winter on lichens, even gaining weight in the process.
Lichens are being used in an elegant experiment in Minnesota to predict the consequences of rising temperatures. We continue to flood the atmosphere with carbon dioxide and methane and the Earth is warming as a consequence. It is critical to know what changes will occur - and soon - and how best to develop strategies to cope with what will increasingly be a hostile environment, challenging our very ability to survive.
There is an order of magnitude more in this stunning book, much of it vital to the path forward for humanity. I urge you to get your hands on a copy, read it and share the knowledge with others.
The humble lichen has much to say about our future.
The Lives of Lichens: A Natural History - Princeton University Press
Robert Lücking and Tony Spribille
Hardcover - US$35.00 - ISBN: 9780691247274
288 pages - 7.5 x 9.5 inches (18.75 x 23.75 cm)
150+ colour illustrations
Publication date: 04 June, 2024
Nature has a never ending array of subjects which I could/should explore further. Another one to add to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteSo much to learn, so little time!
DeleteThey all look very colorful and beautiful, David. The lives of series seems very useful. It's a lot to learn from books,
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
It really is a first class series, Marit, and has been a great success. Hugs and kisses - David
DeleteNature is marvelous as to what it does. Looks a nice book.
ReplyDelete...I like lichens!
ReplyDeleteIn our Saxon Switzerland National Park you can find many lichens, especially on the sandstone when hiking on small paths... they have always fascinated me.
ReplyDeleteRobert Lücking is head of the Evolution and Biodiversity Department at the Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum in Berlin, where he looks after collections with almost a million species.
But unfortunately I couldn't find the title in German.
It is certainly a great work.
the photos in this book are worthy of being framed and hung on the walls. gorgeous photos of linchpin. we have a little in our yard. but not this coloful
ReplyDeleteActually, as you mentioned, there is so much to learn about nature.
ReplyDeleteMight make a delicious salad?
ReplyDeleteYou try it first and let me know!
DeleteThey are beautiful and mysterious to me. :)
ReplyDeleteThey are to most people, Rita.
DeleteLooks like a good read.
ReplyDeleteI would study them in Ireland, so many on the old rocks covering up old symbols from "pagan" times. They seem to live on air which has always fascinated me. We have so much to learn David and never, ever enough time.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
It's looking very nice and colourfull pictures. You have a lot of books I think. Happy weekend !
ReplyDeleteI do indeed, Caroline.
DeleteThe photos are outstanding! Years ago when I was taking a night class to finish high school, and the first night they had GED students (an alternative degree for those who quit school and needed many credits to finish--i only needed 2) in with the two of us working on high school diplomas. One man introduced himself to the group as a plumber, but his wife had an advanced degree in the study of fungi, and he went with her on her field trips, taking photos and learning all the time too. He was so knowledgeable! I bet he went on to obtain a college degree himself.
ReplyDeleteHe might have made more money as a plumber!
DeleteLichens are fascinating, I love seeing them here on the stone bridges or the caste wsalls, a wonderful variety of colours and styles. Hugs, Valerie xxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteA multipurpose plant.
ReplyDeleteAh, but they are not plants. As stated above they are a combination of fungi and algae. They are unique.
DeleteThe photos of the book look stunning!
ReplyDeleteLichens, like mosses, are fascinating, possibly with many interesting properties. And beautiful as well.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a child I thought they (lichens) are all grey but it seems they are not. :)
They come in so many colours, Sara, often really vivid too.
DeleteSi la lectura es atractiva, se termina de leer mucho antes.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo.
An organism that combines properties of plants and animals - Nature truly is amazing.
ReplyDeleteIsn’t it though? Thrilling!
DeleteQue tal David!
ReplyDeleteIt´s impressive how these organisms, both resistant and delicate, can thrive in the most extreme environments. They are extraordinary beings and still contain many mysteries.
💐༶⋆˙⊹୭ 🕊☀️🌿
Grateful for sharing this beautiful collection of books, dear friend.
Have a peaceful night and a beautiful awakening
These are beautiful lichens in this book.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Irma
Uwielbiam porosty. Zwłaszcza zimą, kiedy świat przyrody drzemie. Na moich starych drzewach widuję ich mnóstwo. To bardzo ciekawy świat i na pewno książka, która polecasz jest równie ciekawa.
ReplyDeleteLichens are so photogenic. I love taking pictures of them. And this book has some super photos, especially that one on the cover. Thanks for sharing. Have a super start to your weekend too David.
ReplyDeleteThere are uses for such a book. Thanks to you.
ReplyDeleteWho knew lichen could be a fortune teller of our future. Sounds like another excellent read, David.
ReplyDeleteOtro libro precioso, me gusta mucho. Abrazos.
ReplyDeleteLichens are endlessly fascinating for me, so this is a book I want to definitely get my hands on! I have so many questions about them! On my list, David - thank you! Hugs - Carola
ReplyDelete