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Sex in the extremes: lichen-forming fungi

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 June 2005

FABIAN A. SEYMOUR ,
PETER D. CRITTENDEN  and
PAUL S. DYER
FABIAN A. SEYMOUR
Affiliation:
School of Biology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK. Tel. +44 (0) 115 9513203 Fax +44 (0) 115 9513251 E-mail: Fabian.Seymour@Nottingham.ac.uk
PETER D. CRITTENDEN
Affiliation:
School of Biology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK. Tel. +44 (0) 115 9513203 Fax +44 (0) 115 9513251 E-mail: Fabian.Seymour@Nottingham.ac.uk
PAUL S. DYER
Affiliation:
School of Biology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK. Tel. +44 (0) 115 9513203 Fax +44 (0) 115 9513251 E-mail: Fabian.Seymour@Nottingham.ac.uk
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Abstract

Lichens are characteristically found in environments subject to extremes of temperature, desiccation and low nutrient status. Despite this sexual structures are often formed in abundance. The underlying mechanisms of sex in lichen-forming fungi are discussed, together with possible ecological reasons for the persistence of sexuality. Special features of lichen sex are highlighted including sex at the limits of life on earth in Antarctica, re-lichenization following sex and dispersal, and the perennial nature of lichen fruiting bodies.

Keywords

lichenfungisexbreeding systemsymbiosisextreme environmentsAntarctica
Type
Original Article
Information
Mycologist , Volume 19 , Issue 2 , May 2005 , pp. 51 - 58
Copyright
© 2005 Cambridge University Press

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