Lichens are evolutionarily deep symbioses of nature that are widespread and diversed. It is recently discovered that in addition to being composed of fungus and alga, as known by many, lichens are also composed of varying amounts and species of basidiomycete yeast. This discovery is made when Dr. Spribille and his colleagues analyze two species of lichen that are similar in genetics of fungus and alga but different in appearance, leading them to realize that basidiomycete yeast is an ever-present feature that is highly specific to species of lichen.
2. Pick three vocabulary words from the article and define them.
prevalent - (adj.) widespread; of wide extent or occurrence; …show more content…
When Yin states, “Fred took a likin’ to Alison,” it creates an amusing lead, just as how stating, “Fred had a wingman who helped him woo Alison. Kudos to Bob,” creates an amusing ending as well as something for the reader to think about and remember this article by. Thus I believe mnemonic devices are important in helping me learn because it helps me make connections from what I am learning to my prior knowledge, which strengthens my memory on a particular topic. So as one can see, mnemonic devices, such as the ones from this article, are not only interesting, but compelling and helpful too.
4. What additional questions do you have about the article?
How and why are lichens “one of the oldest and most successful symbioses in nature?”
According to Dr. Lutzoni, “the symbiotic world is an integral part of the natural world, and it is incredibly complex and interesting. The more we study it, the harder it becomes to define.” What does this mean and what does this suggest about lichens?
What are some examples of discoveries made in a similar way as how Dr. Spribille discovered the role basidiomycete acid plays in the species of