Lichen and Bryophyte Ecology and Systematics

Through a combination of lectures, hands-on labs and field visits to local sites around the CIBIO-UP Campus, this course will cover major topics in lichen and bryophyte biology, ecology and evolution. An emphasis is placed on comparative lichen and bryophyte anatomy, morphology and structure as well as on ecologically key species, including those which may have important applications. Attendees are also given an overview of the incredible diversity of lichens and bryophytes and how these organisms evolved and interacted with the environment. Field visits will involve observing a range of (micro-)habitats where the specimens can be identified within their ecological context. Specimens may be taken back to the laboratory for examination and identification.

After successfully completing the course attendees are expected to:

• Understand the basic organization of the lichen and bryophyte bodies;

• Know how to collect specimens in the field and create a reference collection;

• Know how to use a lens in the field to look for characteristic structures;

• Know how to use lab equipment to analyse diagnostic structures in the lab;

• Recognize lichen and bryophyte cells, tissues and tissue systems;

• Identify basic types of lichen and bryophyte vegetative and reproductive structures;

• Interpret lichen and bryophyte structures and adaptations as responses to the environment;

• Thoroughly understand the lichen and bryophyte morphology terminology;

• Identify a selection of common species using a range of identification resources;

• Evaluate the role that lichens and bryophytes have as ecological indicators, and as reliable tools for monitoring and managing environmental changes;

• Be aware of the modern methods and approaches in biomonitoring, biodeterioration and bioprospection, and discuss how these have enhanced or changed classical approaches;

• Demonstrate knowledge in the current understanding of lichen and bryophyte phylogeny and evolution.

9h30-11h00 Lecture: Introduction to lichens (biology, chemistry, diversity, ecology and evolution).

11h30-13h00 Lecture: Introduction to bryophytes (biology, diversity, ecology and evolution).

14h00-15h30 Lecture: Classical and recent advances in lichenology and bryology (biomonitoring, biodeterioration, bioprospection etc)

16h00-17h30 Lecture: Classical and recent advances in lichenology and bryology (biomonitoring, biodeterioration, bioprospection etc)

9h30-11h00 Field trip looking at lichens around the CIBIO-UP Campus. Terminology and methods used in identifying lichens in their natural habitat.

11h30-13h00 Introduction to lichen identification and recording. Demonstrations of equipment and identification resources. Thallus types/structure – crustose, foliose, fruticose and leprose etc. Key features – reproduction, attachment and colour etc.

14h00-15h30 Introduction to chemical testing and safe application. Dissecting lichens, using compound microscopes, and studying the internal features of lichens.

16h00-17h30 Use of keys to identify lichen specimens.

9h30-11h00 Field trip looking at bryophytes around the CIBIO-UP Campus. Terminology and methods used in identifying bryophytes in their natural habitat.

11h30-13h00 Introduction to bryophyte identification and recording. Demonstrations of equipment and identification resources. Growth forms – thalloid, leafy, acrocarpic, pleurocarpic etc. Key features – reproduction, attachment etc.

14h00-15h30 Dissecting bryophytes, using compound microscopes, and studying the internal features of bryophytes.

16h00-17h30 Use of keys to identify bryophyte specimens.

9h30-11h00 Visit to the PO Herbarium (MHNC-UP). Concept of herbaria and reference collections. Care and management of lichen and bryophyte collections.

11h30-13h00 Classical and modern museum techniques for lichenological and bryological research

14h00-15h30 Preparing ‘voucher specimens’ and tissues of lichens and bryophytes for molecular studies.

16h00-17h00 Short time spent in the PO herbarium working through specimens.

9h30-11h00 Presentation of ongoing projects.

11h30-13h00 Course closing activities and discussion on where to go with lichens and bryophytes after the course, how to continue learning, especially how the course trainers can support that purpose.

Registration fees do not include accommodation or meals. 

No ECTS credits are awarded for attending the course. Participants receive a certificate of attendance without quantitative evaluation.

Education & Training Unit (Post graduation office)

+351 252 660 425