Golden hair lichen  (Teloschistes flavicans)

Alga:  a collection of taxonomically unrelated groups that share some common features but are grouped together for historical reasons and for convenience. They are of simple construction, and are mainly photoautotrophic, obtaining all their energy from light and carbon dioxide, and possess the photosynthetic pigment, chlorophyll A. They range in complexity from microscopic single cells to very complex plant-like forms, such as kelps. Algal groups include blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), red algae (rhodophyta), green algae (chlorophyta), brown algae and diatoms (chromista) as well as euglenophyta.
Asexually: of asexual reproduction: reproduction that does not involve the formation of sex cells ('gametes'). In many species, asexual reproduction can occur by fission (or in plants 'vegetative reproduction'); part of the organism breaks away and develops into a separate individual. Some animals, including vertebrates can develop from unfertilised eggs, this process, known as parthenogenesis gives rise to offspring that are genetically identical to the parent
Fungus: fungi are one of the taxonomic kingdoms, separate from plants and animals. They obtain nutrients by absorbing organic compounds from the surrounding environment.
Soredia: a microscopic structure formed by certain lichens as a means of vegetative propagation: it consists of a few fungal hyphae among which are enmeshed a few cells of the symbiont. To the naked eye soredia in masses appear as a granular or fine powder.
Symbiotic relationship: relationship in which two organisms form a close association, the term is now usually used only for associations that benefit both organisms (a mutualism).
Thallus: type of simple plant body that does not have stems, leaves and roots.

1. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (May 2002)
   http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn
   
2. Church, J.M., Coppins, B.J., Gilbert, O.L., James, P.W. & Stewart, N.F. (1996) Red Data Book of Britain and Ireland: lichens. Volume 1: Britain. The Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.
   
3. Allaby, M. (1998) Oxford Dictionary of Plant Sciences. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
   
4. Environment Agency (1998) Species and Habitats handbook; 'Look-up' chart of species and their status. The Environment Agency, Bristol.
   
5. Wolseley, P. & May, P.J. (1997) Resurvey and monitoring of T. flavicans in Pembrokeshire, 1997. CCW Sea Empress Contract Report 237
   http://www.ccw.gov.uk/Images_Client/Reports/Pr1dc6~1.pdf
   
6. Management recommendations for Teloschistes flavicans. (May 2002):
   http://www.or.blm.gov/surveyandmanage/MR/Lichens/TEFL20.pdf
   
7. Dobson, F. (2000) Lichens. An illustrated guide to the British species. The Richmond Publishing Co. Ltd., Slough.
   
8. Gilbert, O.L. & Purvis, O.W. (1996) Teloschistes flavicans in Great Britain: distribution and ecology. Lichenologist 28: 493-506.
   
9. Coppins, B (2004) Pers. comm.