Lichen acclimation to changing environments: Photobiont switching vs. climate-specific uniqueness in Psora decipiens.

ABSTRACT: Unraveling the complex relationship between lichen fungal and algal partners has been crucial in understanding lichen dispersal capacity, evolutionary processes, and responses in the face of environmental change. However, lichen symbiosis remains enigmatic, including the ability of a single fungal partner to associate with various algal partners. Psora decipiens is a characteristic lichen of biological soil crusts (BSCs), across semi-arid, temperate, and alpine biomes, which are particularly susceptible to habitat loss and climate change. The high levels of morphological variation found across the range of Psora decipiens may contribute to its ability to withstand environmental change. To investigate Psora decipiens acclimation potential, individuals were transplanted

SUBMITTER: Williams L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5395455 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature