Contents

Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Preface v
3. Volume published in the series vii
4. Contents ix
5. Contributing authors xiii
6. 1 Functionality
7. 1.1 The interface of rocks and microorganisms 3
8. 1.2 The hypolithic habitat: microbial communities under translucent rocks 39
9. 2 Organisms
10. 2.1 Black fungi inhabiting rock surfaces 57
11. 2.2 Cyanobacteria on rock surfaces 87
12. 2.3 Lichens as pioneers on rock surfaces 141
13. 2.4 High alpine lichens 161
14. 2.5 Complex lichen communities inhabiting rock surfaces 175
15. 2.6 Eukaryotic algal communities of rock surfaces 189
16. 2.7 Desiccation-tolerant vascular plants: systematic distribution, ecology, and biogeography 213
17. Index 233