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Genetically divergent algae shape an epiphytic lichen community on Jack Pine in Manitoba

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 January 2009

Matthew DOERING  and
Michele D. PIERCEY-NORMORE
Matthew DOERING
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3T 2N2. Email: pierceyn@cc.umanitoba.ca
Michele D. PIERCEY-NORMORE
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3T 2N2. Email: pierceyn@cc.umanitoba.ca
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Abstract

Algal genotypes should freely associate with different lichen fungi that grow in the same confined habitat giving the appearance of low levels of selectivity and specificity. If genetic compatibility between algal and fungal partners limits the combination of partners, then some degree of taxonomic specificity should be evident. This study examined the photobiont composition in a community of epiphytic lichens on Jack Pine to investigate selectivity and specificity. The objectives of the study were to infer algal identity, to infer photobiont dispersal, and to investigate the distribution of algal genotypes relative to the fungal partner. Photobiont variability was determined by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and nucleotide sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Seven species of lichen-forming fungi are reported to associate with five divergent algal genotypes, with only one species, Evernia mesomorpha, showing some degree of selectivity and specificity. The algae represent at least two species (Trebouxia jamesii and T. impressa) for the area confined to 200cm2 on the north side of 20 Jack Pine trees. Gene flow was inferred in this tightly defined community of lichenized algae. The algal sharing and inferred gene flow may suggest that soredia provide a means of algal transport and distribution among lichen-forming fungi in the habitat.

Keywords

photobiontselectivityspecificityTrebouxia impressaT. jamesiiT. simplex
Type
Research Article
Information
The Lichenologist , Volume 41 , Issue 1 , January 2009 , pp. 69 - 80
Copyright
Copyright © British Lichen Society 2009

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