Lichen communities on conifers in Southern California mountains: an ecological survey relative to oxidant air pollution
In comparison with collections from the early 1900's when oxidant air pollution was essentially absent, 50% fewer lichen species were found on conifers during 3 yr (1976-1979) of collecting and sampling in the mountains of Southern California. Among the five mountain ranges studied, the San Bernardino Mountains, the region with the highest oxidant levels, had lower lichen frequency and cover values. Within the San Bernardino study sites, lichen cover was inversely related to estimated oxidant doses. Furthermore, at sites with high oxidant levels, marked morphological deterioration of the common species Hypogymnia enteromorpha was documented. Transplants of this species from the relatively unpolluted Cuyamaca Rancho State Park into the San Bernardino Mountains exhibited similar deterioration after a year's exposure. 4 figures, 9 tables.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-26
- OSTI ID:
- 7132795
- Journal Information:
- Ecology; (United States), Vol. 64:6
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CALIFORNIA
CONIFERS
LICHENS
MORTALITY
OXIDIZERS
POPULATION DYNAMICS
SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAINS
SENSITIVITY
SURVEYS
ALGAE
FEDERAL REGION IX
FUNGI
MOUNTAINS
NORTH AMERICA
PLANTS
POLLUTION
USA
560303* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Plants- (-1987)
500200 - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)