| Abstract Detail
The negotiated surveillance of parts and wholes: a symbioses-centered perspective on plant biology research Fernando, Fernandez-Mendoza [1], Christian, Printzen [2]. Coevolution in an open association system. Ecological and evolutionary insights into the patterns of photobiont association in the lichen Cetraria aculeata. The lichenized fungus Cetraria aculeata is a widely distributed ground dwelling species. It is frequent in boreal and polar regions of both hemispheres, and spreads along high mountains into the tropics. In the Eurasian continent, however, it is also widespread at intermediate latitudes in dry forests, grasslands, steppes and in coastal and riverine dune systems.
The patterns of photobiont assembly observed in Cetraria aculeata are quite coherent with the genetic structure found in its mycobiont, although not enough to be attributable to the mere codispersal of both symbionts in vegetative propagula. Photobiont use in lichens and other symbiotic systems, has been interpreted from two main points of view: A phylogenetic perspective, in terms of symbiont-specific attributes (specificity, selectivity), and a dispersal perspective regarding the transmission of symbionts between individual thalli. Both are useful approaches, but since both focus in the statistical association between both symbionts, they fail to interpret datasets in which their genetic signals are fully or partially incoherent, or where ecological factors concur with dispersal or evolutionary history.
We present an flexible ecological mindframe to interpret the patterns of photobiont assembly. In this, the observed patterns of association represent the realization of the symbiotic niche, which is in turn part of the trophic niche of the fungus. Using this perspective we discuss the extent to which the divergence in photobiont assembly between the Eurasian Mediterranean populations and those on the rest of the species range might be related to ecological plasticity or evolutionary divergence.
Log in to add this item to your schedule
Related Links:
PhD thesis of Fernando Fernández Mendoza. Discussion and compilation of publications
1 - Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Institute of Plant Sciences, Schubertstraße 51, Graz, 8010, Austria
2 - Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum, Abt. Botanik und Molekulare Evolutionsforschung, Frankfurt am Main, 60325, Germany
Keywords:
Photobiont association
lichen
symbiosis
Fungi.
Presentation Type: Symposium Presentation
Session: SY16
Location: Salon 4/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Wednesday, July 29th, 2015
Time: 10:15 AM
Number: SY16006
Abstract ID:419
Candidate for Awards:None |
