Molecular phylogeny of Lecanora subgenus Placodium

Disciplines

Biology (100%)

Keywords

Evolution Ribosomal DNA Lichenized Ascomycetes Lecanora Placodium, Evolution, Lecanora, Lichenized Ascomycet, Placodium, Ribosomal DNA

Abstract

A project is proposed to elucidate phylogenetic relationships of lichens and to evaluate parallel evolution of morphological characters. rDNA sequence information of the mycobiont will be used for a detailed study of lichen phylogeny. For this purpose, a heterogeneous group of lichens, Lecanora subgenus Olacodium is selected. Previous phylogenetic hypotheses for this group - based on morphological data - can now be tested with characters of the ribosomal RNA genes. The group apparently represents a heterogeneous link between lichens with either crustose or foliose growth. Potentially related species with different thallus growth forms are included for comparison. Lecanora is an ideal group to study parallel evolution of vegetative characters in lichens because a broad base of morphological data is available. Special attention will be paid to integrating molecular data with morphological information.