The lichens Parmelia quercina, Parmelia sulcata, Evernia prunastri, Hypogymnia physodes, and Anaptychia ciliaris were exposed to ozone (O3) in controlled environment cuvettes designed to maintain the lichens at optimal physiological activity during exposure. Measurements of gas exchange, modulated chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence, and pigment analysis were conducted before and after exposure to 300 mm3 (O3) m-3, 4 h per d for 14 d. No changes in the efficiency of photosystem 2 (PS2) photochemistry, the reduction state of QA, or the electron flow through PS2, measured by Chl fluorescence, were detected in any of the five lichen species studied. Additionally, neither photosynthetic CO2 assimilation nor xanthophyll cycle activity or photosynthetic pigment concentration were affected by high O3 concentrations. Thus the studied lichen species have significant capacities to withstand oxidative stresses induced by high concentration of O3. and A. Calatayud, P. J. Temple, E. Barreno.