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    Published: December 30, 2011

    Understanding morphological evolution in lichens

    Stephanie Ware, Manager, Morphology Labs, SEM

    BRADLEY LOOMIS

    Sophomore Biology major at Green Mountain College

    REU Mentor: Dr. Thorsten Lumbsch (Curator, Botany)

    Symposium Presentation Title: Species Delimitation and Evolution in the Foliose Lichen Genus Montanelia

    Symposium Presentation Abstract: Species circumscriptions in lichenized fungi that focus primarily or entirely on morphology often have aggregated many genetically distinct species into single taxa. Results from recent molecular studies have shown the potential for morphologically cryptic species-level diversity within some groups that are considered virtually indistinguishable based on morphological characters. To better understand diversification within the foliose brown parmelioid lichens (family Parmeliaceae), sequence data from six genetic markers from 46 specimens representing the newly described genus Montanelia were analyzed within a phylogenetic context. The species of Montanelia occur on siliceous rocks in arctic-alpine habitats of the northern Hemisphere. The results from this research suggest that multiple traditionally circumscribed Montanelia species include previously unrecognized species-level diversity. Within the four traditionally circumscribed species investigated here, a total of nine candidate species were recognized. The results of this preliminary data show the limitations of using morphology to circumscribe species in Montanelia. Future studies investigating character evolution and the role of biogeography in the brown parmelioids will be essential to better understand biogeography and factors driving diversification in these commonly occurring lichens.

    Original Project Description: Lichen-forming fungi are unique among the fungal kingdom since these organisms form specific vegetative thalli to host their photosynthetic symbiotic partner (wither algae or cyanobacteria) that provide energy for the symbiotic system. These thalli have certain morphologies and include adaptations, such as a cortex covering the algal layer to protect them from UV radiations. Other adaptations include crystals in the algal layer to increase the light intensity for species growing in shady habitats in tropical rainforests. Currently, our knowledge about the evolution of these adaptations is very poor. In a project focusing on the tropical lichen family Graphidaceae, this project will address the origin of morphological adaptations in a phylogenetic context. DNA sequence data will be used to address these issues. The lichens selected for this group belong to the so-called Topeliopsis clade within the family Graphidaceae (Ostropales).

    Research methods and techniques: REU participants in this project will receive training in molecular and organismal research methods. They will learn how important a combination of both methods is for an understanding of the evolution of the diversity of life. The training will include introduction to the literature and handling of herbarium specimens. Chemical examination will include chromatographic methods, such as HPTLC and HPLC. Molecular methods will include DNA isolation, PCR and subsequent direct sequencing of certain gene regions. Subsequently, the analysis of DNA sequence data will be performed.


    Stephanie Ware
    Manager, Morphology Labs

    Stephanie started volunteering at the Field Museum in 1998, working with Curator John Bates in the Bird Division. In 1999, John Bates hired her as a research assistant. After that project finished in 2007, she went to work for Carl Dick in the Division of Insects helping him to complete his work on the museum's Bat Fly collection. She spent a great deal of time generating images for the Bat Fly portion of theDiptera Taxonomy Database. When Carl left for University of Kentucky in 2009, she continued her imaging work in the Insect Division. In the intervening years, she has imaged hundreds specimens, mostly types, from the rove beetle (Staphylinidae), ant and myriapoda collections.

    Stephanie began working with the Chicago Peregrine Program in 2006.  Initially, she monitored the Metropolitan Correctional Center nest in downtown Chicago.  Over time, her duties have expanded to include other nests in the metro region, emphasizing the identification of nesting adults.  In March of 2007, Stephanie created a group called Midwest Peregrine Falcons on the photo sharing website Flickr with the goal of providing a place for photographers across the country to submit their photographs of peregrine sightings in the Midwestern United States. She also has many of her own peregrine photos on Flickr as well.