One has to wonder if Nature is delivering a metaphor here. Admittedly, at some point, one colony will dominate the branch, but this occurs through an ecological attrition. When one population falls, another expands into the vacated territory. For now, however, lichen is content to exist beside moss and vice versa, maintaining not only balance, but doing so with exceptional elegance and beauty.
365Caws is now in its 14th year of publication, and was originally intended to end after 365 days. It has sometimes been difficult for me to find new material, particularly during the winter months, but now as I enter my own twilight years, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to provide daily posts. It is my hope that along the way I may have inspired someone to a greater curiosity about the natural world. If so, I can rest, content in the knowledge that my work here has been done.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
A Community Of Colonies
One has to wonder if Nature is delivering a metaphor here. Admittedly, at some point, one colony will dominate the branch, but this occurs through an ecological attrition. When one population falls, another expands into the vacated territory. For now, however, lichen is content to exist beside moss and vice versa, maintaining not only balance, but doing so with exceptional elegance and beauty.
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A beautiful collection! I've never noticed so many different types in one place. I'll be watching more carefully now!
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