SubjectsSubjects(version: 983)
Course, academic year 2025/2026
   
Biology of lichens - MB120P152
Title: Biologie lišejníků
Czech title: Biologie lišejníků
Guaranteed by: Department of Botany (31-120)
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Actual: from 2024
Semester: winter
E-Credits: 4
Examination process: winter s.:oral
Hours per week, examination: winter s.:2/1, C+Ex [HT]
Capacity: unlimited
Min. number of students: 5
4EU+: no
Virtual mobility / capacity: no
State of the course: taught
Language: Czech
Additional information: http://botany.natur.cuni.cz/svoboda/prednasky/Biologie_lisejniku/Biologie_lisejniku.htm
Note: enabled for web enrollment
priority enrollment if the course is part of the study plan
Guarantor: doc. Mgr. Pavel Škaloud, Ph.D.
Teacher(s): Mgr. Jana Steinová, Ph.D.
RNDr. David Svoboda, Ph.D.
Incompatibility : MB120P32
Annotation -
Lectures are given in the Czech language, but could be done in English too. Lichens are not a systematic group,
therefore a biological view of various aspects of their life (growth, reproduction and dispersal, lichen chemistry),
introduction in lichen physiology and ecology as well as phenomenon of symbiosis and its various forms,
principles of lichen taxonomy and the integration of lichenized fungi into a natural phyllogenetical system are main
topics of the course. Practicals are an integral part of the course and are focused on various forms of fungus-alga
associations, lichen thallus morphology, sexual reproduction and vegetative propagules, secondary lichen
products and using of identification methods.
Course for students of cryptogamology as well as other specializations in botany.
Last update: Svoboda David, RNDr., Ph.D. (05.04.2022)
Literature -

Literature for further study
AHMADJIAN V. & Hale M.E., eds. (1973): The lichens. - Academic Press, London.

HALE M.E. (1983): The biology of lichens. - Edward Arnold, London.
HAWKSWORTH D.L. & HILL D.J. (1984): The lichen-forming fungi. - Blackie, Glasgow.
HAWKSWORTH D.L. & ROSE F. (1976): Lichens as pollution monitors. - Edward Arnold, London.
HENSSEN A. & JAHNS H.M. (1974): Lichenes. Eine Einführung in die Flechtenkunde. - Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart.
JARKOVSKÝ M. (1978): Lišejníkové látky a jejich identifikace. - Pedag. fak., Hradec Králové.
KIRSCHBAUM U. & WIRTH V. (1995): Flechten erkennen - Luftgütebestimmen. - E.Ulmer, Stuttgart.
MASUCH G. (1993): Biologie der Flechten. - Quelle & Meyer, Heidelberg & Wiesbaden.
NASH III T.H., ed. (2008): Lichen biology. - Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge.

Last update: Svoboda David, RNDr., Ph.D. (05.04.2022)
Requirements to the exam -

Oral exam

Last update: Svoboda David, RNDr., Ph.D. (24.10.2019)
Syllabus -

1. Symbiosis
Historical view on lichens. Principles of lichen symbiosis, evolution of lichenization. Taxonomical view on lichenized fungi. Fungus-alga associations, photobiont, mycobiont. Symbiosis, parasymbiosis, parasitism.

2. Morphology, Reproduction
Thallus morphology, growth forms. Anatomy of lichen thallus. Cephalodia. Sexual reproduction, morphology of ascocarps. Vegetative propagules. Growth and dispersal. Growth rate, lichenometry.

3. Photobionts

4. Physiology
Water relations. Light and photosynthesis. Respiration. Mineral nutrition, nitrogen fixation.

5. Ecology
Substrate ecology. Competition and succession. Biogeography.

6. Bioindication
Air pollution, heavy metals and radionuclides. Impact of agricuture. Approaches and methods of environmental monitoring.

7. Lichen chemistry
Secondary metabolites - classification and biosynthesis. Identification methods. Role of lichen products. Uses of lichens.

8. Taxonomy and classification
Characters and their value. Taxonomic categories. Taxonomic delimitation of lichens, evolution of lichen systems. Concept of modern system of fungi.

Last update: Svoboda David, RNDr., Ph.D. (05.04.2022)
Learning outcomes -

applies the acquired knowledge within the broader context of the biological sciences

analyzes, evaluates, and compares the differences in the characteristics of lichens as a group in comparison with other groups of organisms

outlines the advantages and disadvantages of lichenism, its place in evolution, and its relationship to ecology, geology, and life on Earth in general

compares the approaches of individual studies to the topic, and has a command of the issues of morphology, reproduction, phytogeography, and the basics of lichen taxonomy

connects the procedures learned from case studies and is able to critically ask questions about the topic
applies the principles of biological study to the given organisms, their differences determined by life cycle and their place in the biosphere

critically evaluates the scope of currently known principles in lichenology as an ecosystem of organisms in relation to potential conservation practices and the potential limitations of studies based on limited habitat samples

understands the issues related to the studies, accuracy, and sensitivity of the chosen methods, including in light of their age, and is familiar with the basic physiological differences between lichens and green (vascular, higher) plants

actively applies acquired knowledge in species identification and is able to demonstrate specific patterns of occurrence in the field

identifies the historical and current uses of lichens by humans and other organisms, understands the fundamental threats to this group of organisms and their connection to global and regional issues beyond nature conservation

interprets and utilizes appropriate information sources

considers and evaluates the possibilities of AI integration, discusses the advantages and disadvantages, and takes into account examples of good praxis.

Last update: Svoboda David, RNDr., Ph.D. (22.05.2026)
 
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