Tropical lichens are not only of interest in themselves but are of importance in the study of the ecosystems of which they are a part. Information on tropical lichens has not hitherto been readily available in book form, and the object of this volume is to synthesize what is known at present and to indicate areas where further research is needed. The material presented here is derived from a meeting held by the Systematics Association at which contributions were presented on the systematic, ecological, and biogeographical aspects of tropical lichens, together with the problems of their conservation. The resulting volume should thus be of value to a wide variety of scientists.
