A magnificently illustrated guide to the world’s extraordinary diversity of lichensLichens are not autonomous organisms but a symbiotic partnership between fungi and photosynthetic algae or cyanobacteria. With more than 20,000 species found across the globe, they are an enormously successful life-form, capable of surviving in some of the harshest environments on the planet. This book provides a wide-ranging look at the 117 currently accepted families of lichen-forming fungi. The introductory section covers topics ranging from the biological structure of lichens to their lifecycle and symbiotic relationships with other organisms. This is followed by a fact-filled directory profiling at least one exemplar genus of each family and highlighting its unique characteristics. Lichens of the World is a self-contained reference for scientists, naturalists, and anyone interested in lichens. Features hundreds of stunning full-color photos and distribution maps showcasing the variety, exquisite beauty, and diverse habitats of the world’s lichensSheds light on the significant ecological roles of lichens and their function as bioindicators of environmental healthDiscusses the evolution, morphology, and classification of lichens, their role in ecosystems, and the conservation of lichens in the AnthropoceneWritten by two leading expertsAn essential guide for nature lovers everywhere