Abstract
Biofilm-forming cyanobacteria are widespread inhabitants of exposed stones in archaeological and historical sites and caves. Outdoors, these phototrophic biofilms are adapted to all types of stress imposed by growth at the air-rock interface and have developed the capacity to tolerate excess solar radiation, extreme temperatures and desiccation at different latitudes. Indoors, the typology of the cave or the characteristics of confined environments strongly selects the microbial community according to light availability and air humidity. Interactions of cyanobacteria with rocky substrata serving as the source of mineral nutrients are based on the adhesion mechanisms and metabolic processes that allow the development of these biofilms. Both types of subaerial phototrophic community include cyanobacteria that support associated populations of heterotrophic populations of mostly very specialized species. The distribution of particular cyanobacterial taxa on monuments in urban or agricultural areas is related mostly to climatic conditions and the position and orientation of the hard surface with respect to water availability and air circulation.
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