Lesson plan
Graphidaceae
The Graphidaceae are a family of lichen-forming fungi in the order Graphidales. The family contains nearly a hundred genera and more than 2000 species. Although the family has a cosmopolitan distribution, most Graphidaceae species occur in tropical regions, and typically grow on bark. These lichens are characterized by their crust-like growth form and typically partner with orange-pigmented Trentepohlia algae. Many species produce distinctive elongated, slit-like fruiting bodies, and some have unusually large ascospores that can begin germinating almost immediately upon release. The family originated approximately 176 million years ago and has diversified steadily since, with major bursts of new species arising alongside the spread of flowering plants and tropical rainforests.
Article summary
The Graphidaceae are a family of lichen-forming fungi in the order Graphidales. The family contains nearly a hundred genera and more than 2000 species. Although the family has a cosmopolitan distribution, most Graphidaceae species occur in tropical regions, and typically grow on bark. These lichens are characterized by their crust-like growth form and typically partner with orange-pigmented Trentepohlia algae. Many species produce distinctive elongated, slit-like fruiting bodies, and some have unusually large ascospores that can begin germinating almost immediately upon release. The family originated approximately 176 million years ago and has diversified steadily since, with major bursts of new species arising alongside the spread of flowering plants and tropical rainforests.
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.