Abstract Detail
Bryological and Lichenological Section/ABLS Nelsen, Matthew P. [1], Leavitt, Steven D. [1]. Lichen-associated algae: we hardly know you. The number of studies utilizing molecular sequence data to assess lichen-associated algae have increased dramatically in recent years. These studies have revealed previously unknown lineages and fascinating insight into the roles photobionts play in lichen symbioses. However, the lack of a synthetic framework for evaluating algal sequence data remains a major limitation to the effective communication of relationships among lichen symbionts, as well as for documenting gaps in our knowledge and assessing what is known. Here we assemble sequence data from lichen-associated eukaryotic algal lineages and quantify their taxonomic richness using a variety of metrics. Our data suggest that the diversity of lichen-associated algae in Trebouxia is far greater than previously supposed, and common lichen-associated algal genera, such as Trebouxia, may represent an important source of terrestrial algal diversity. We explore trends in the geographic origins and fungal symbionts of these algae, highlighting those that appear especially understudied. Broader Impacts:
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1 - The Field Museum, Department of Botany, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA
Keywords:
Trebouxia
lichens
symbiosis.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 7
Location: Ascot/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 10:45 AM
Number: 7007
Abstract ID:832
Candidate for Awards:A. J. Sharp Award | 