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 Thorsten Lumbsch, Ph.D.
Member, Pritzker Lab Management Committee
Department of Botany
Associate Curator and Head of Cryptogams
Botanist Thorsten Lumbsch works with fungi that create stable symbioses with algae, forming so-called lichens. He concentrates on some inconspicuous groups of lichens (crustose lichens) that grow on a variety of substrates, including rocks, bark of trees, and soil. The phylogeny and classification of these lichens is the main focus of his research.
Lichens occur in all ecosystems of the world. Some lichens are pioneers in harsh, arid environments, such as deserts in cold and hot areas. In order to adapt to their habitat, lichens have evolved pigments and other chemical substances, and certain physical structures. In general, lichens are simply organized, and we see similar adaptations in many species.  For example, the “sunscreen” pigment is found in lichens that are genetically very different. This tells us that the pigment evolved independently several times.
Lichens are also known as bioindicators to monitor air pollution or soil disturbance in Europe and North America. A firm knowledge of the taxonomy of these poorly understood organisms is necessary to utilize these organisms in other regions.
To learn more, check out Dr. Lumbsch’s Curriculum Vitae.
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