The chemical composition of lichens depends on the basis (substrate) on which they grow. In this way lichens adapt to adverse conditions—such as a high level of acidity (low pH) or the presence of toxic metals. A new property of these organisms was discovered by biologists of the Ural Federal University (UrFU), who studied more than 740 species of lichens. Samples were collected from rocks and trees (spruce, pine, birch, alder, aspen, poplar). The research results was published in Frontiers in Forest and Global Change.
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Source: Phys.org