Analysis of morphology, growth rate, and fragmentation of the endangered lichen species Cladonia Perforata

Author

• David Warren Witmer

Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2014

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Moore, Jon

Abstract

Cladonia perforata is an endangered lichen endemic to the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, Lake Wales Ridge, Southwest Florida, and the North Gulf Coast of Florida. In all but a single locality, C. perforata relies entirely on asexual reproduction through fragmentation for reproduction, dispersal, and recruitment. This study suggests a positive correlation between fragment size and survivability of fragments after one year. The average thallus grew at a rate of 10.42% per year and younger branches of a thallus grew at a quicker rate than older branches. Additionally, a review of thalli morphology suggests C. perforata has a diverse form, and becomes more bifurcated as it increases in size.

Extent

88 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Recommended Citation

Witmer, David Warren, "Analysis of morphology, growth rate, and fragmentation of the endangered lichen species Cladonia Perforata" (2014). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019. 941.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_6/941

Identifier

FA00004172

Format

pdf