New Lichen Discovered in Sri Lanka!
Picture: On the left there is a picture of Pyxine coccifera,
type of lichen found in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. The red parts of the
lichen help protect it from the harsh UV rays in the tropics. To check out the
where the picture came from click here: http://tinyurl.com/7grlu9k
Article Summary: On Monday February 27th, 2012 scientists in
Sri Lanka discovered two brand new types of lichen named Anzia mahaeliyensis
and Anzia flavotenuis. Dr Wijesundara explains the many uses for lichen around
the world stating that “There are number of uses derived from lichens. It can
be used as food for humans and animals. It can also be used as raw material for
the perfume industry. Lichen can also be activated as a bio degration
constituent,” But those things are pretty basic. Lichens are extracted to make
the color changing parts of the ph tester paper for pools, and other dyes. This new type of lichen could possible bring on new discoveries in may feilds like medicine. To see the article click here: http://tinyurl.com/7urs42w
Reflection: I think that this is an awesome discovery because it can lead to many more discoveries in the future.Who knows it may be in other parts of the world and we don't even know it yet. Its interesting how many uses lichen can have to so many people and animals.
Questions:
1: What do you think the best possible use it for lichen when found or harvested? Why?
2: Do you believe that its bad for humans to be removing and using lichen for their personal use? Why?
3: What does the discovery of a new organism so close to today's date make you think about the number of organisms in the world?
4: Do you think lichens a big deal? Could we live on the earth without it? Why?
As a response to number 4: I don't think we could. Lichens are very important to ecosystems, because they are what starts primary succession. Without these lichens, many ecosystems would either not exist or not have as high biodiversity. It's very posible that some of organisms that survive on lichens could be keystone species to our ecosystem, and many others too.
ReplyDeleteAnswer to number 2: Not really lichen grows really fast, and can grow on anything. I think it is good to use natural ingredients in creating a medicine, and who knows it could cure aids and cancer.
ReplyDelete