Indicator Species Mapping

Another lichen mapping project, called "indicator species mapping", requires locating about 6-10 species of lichens, standardized by substrate, which are sensitive to a particular range of SO². England, for example, has a scale for 9-10 indicator species matched to mean winter miligrams per cubic meters SO² and made in two forms, one for the moderately acid bark (broad leaved trees with acid or moderately acid bark „beech, birch, oak) and another for basic or nutrient-enriched bark (broadÜleaved trees with basic or nutrient-enriched bark (ash, elm, sycamore). The species Cladonia macilenta was found in England where SO² levels were about 125 miligrams per cubic meters, while the species Usnea rubicunda was only found where the SO² levels were much lower, at around 30 miligrams per cubic meters.

If you live in a country in which indicator species have not been identified, your class's contribution could be particularly important. If you want to pursue this line of study, and indicator species are not yet available for your country, the first thing we recommend is locating the nearest experts! You will need to find out how much scientists have achieved in their search for your country's indicators and how they measure local SO², fluoride, and ozone in your area as well.

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