Parameters in the evolution of lichens species

Research project P 14610 Parameters in the evolution of lichen species Martin GRUBE 09.10.2000 The roles of ecological parameters and geographic distribution on the diversity of lichen species complex will be investigated with the Lecanorarupicola group as model system. Nucleotide sequence data from multiple loci, including the ITS region of the nrDNA, 3-tubulin, chitin synthase, and other proteins, will be used to determine the number of phylogenetic species in this species complex. The variable characters, including anatomy, morphology, chemistry, microhabitat requirements and geographic range, will be mapped onto this phylogeny to determine their phylogenetic distribution. The analysis of these data will evaluate the role of niche specialisation and allopatry in the evolution of a complex of species. Because accurately delimited species convey a wealth of biological information, the approach taken in this molecular study will be of importance for other diverse fields, such as physiology, biomonitoring and nature monitoring and nature conservation.