Life in the upper crust

Article Abstract:

Desert crusts have a number of organisms growing densley in the top milimeter of soil. They include algae, mosses, fungi and cyanobacteria. The layer helps absorb water and prevent wind erosion. Crustal photosynthesis occurs during the morning when there is sunlight and water from fog or dew. There is niche differentiation in deserts, and one particular lichen, Collema Tenax, is abundant in Utah. This lichen needs more moisture than is usually found in deserts. Erratic showers occur in the desert in Utah, providing the moisture needed.

Analysis, Photosynthesis research, Desert ecology

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Too much of a good thing

Article Abstract:

C.E.R. Pitcarin and D. Fowler have investigated the process of environmental pollution and proved that the increase in the nitrogen concentration in the leaves of mosses and small shrubs reflect the extent of pollution in the environment. Pitcarin and Fowler have experimentally investigated the process by analyzing the foliage of plants of various periods. Leaves from herbarium specimens are also used. Their study reveals changes in the nitrogen content in the leaves over a period of time, which also varies from place to place.

Pollution, Nitrogen (Chemical element), Nitrogen

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Invertebrates and mycophagy

Article Abstract:

Invertebrates show agricultural activities, such as some mycophagous ants that cultivate fungi and prune hyphae by licking them. Leaf-cutter ants cultivate basidiomycete fungi in their nests and eat the swollen hyphae as food. Pruning stimulates the growth of new hyphae. The Aniulus bollmani millipedes are mycophagous and consume fruits of the Epichloe typhina fungus. The fungal fruits are produced by fertilization, following transfer of gametes by the fly Phorbia phrenione.

Environmental aspects, Food and nutrition, Fungi, Invertebrates, Ants

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