Colorful Lichens in the High Peaks of Pinnacles National Park

December 29, 2016

High Peaks Loop Trail, Coral Firedot Lichen 1 (3)

High Peaks Loop Trail, Coral Firedot Lichen 2 (3)

Photographer: Cindy Todd
Summary Author: Cindy Todd
 
The photos above show examples of two of the many colorful lichens found in the high peaks of Pinnacles National Park in California. Lichens are organisms made up primarily of a fungus and either a green or a blue/green alga. The fungus and alga have a symbiotic relationship with one another, though the fungus is the dominant partner. Algae photosynthesize, feeding the fungus; whereas the fungus absorbs water and other nutrients, thus benefiting the algae. Photo taken on the High Peaks Loop Trail on November 25, 2016.
 
Photo Details: Top - Camera Model: Canon PowerShot SX160 IS; Focal Length: 5mm; Aperture: ƒ/3.5; Exposure Time: 0.033 s (1/30); ISO equiv: 250. Bottom - same except: Aperture: ƒ/4.0; Exposure Time: 0.0016 s (1/640); ISO equiv: 100.