A team of Indian scientists recently uncovered a previously unknown species of lichen, named Allographa effusosoredica, in the Western Ghats, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot.
Allographa effusosoredica is a crustose lichen that displays striking effuse soredia and rare chemical traits, making it stand out in the lichen world.
Crustose Lichen: It has a crust-like appearance, growing flatly against the substrate (such as rocks or tree bark).
Effuse Soredia: The lichen has distinctive effuse soredia, which are small clusters of algae that help in reproduction.
Rare Chemical: One of the standout features of this lichen is that it contains norstictic acid, a chemical considered rare compared to other species within the genus Allographa.
Molecular Techniques: The species was studied in detail using morphological, chemical, and advanced molecular techniques, making the discovery highly accurate and comprehensive.
First of Its Kind in India: This is the first species of Allographa ever sequenced in India.
Algal Partner Unveiled: The researchers also identified its algal partner, a Trentepohlia species, which provides valuable insights into lichen-algal symbiosis. This further emphasizes how photobionts (algal or cyanobacterium partners in lichens) adapt locally in tropical environments.
Growth in Knowledge: This discovery expands our understanding of the photobiont diversity in tropical lichens, which has been sparse until now.
Regional Significance: The discovery also highlights the ecological richness of the Western Ghats, with Allographa effusosoredica becoming the 22nd species from the genus Allographa reported in the region, and the 53rd species from the genus documented in India.
Lichens are symbiotic organisms consisting of two (or more) species living together:
Fungus: Provides structure, protection, and a stable environment.
Photobiont: Usually a green alga or cyanobacterium, which captures sunlight and produces food through photosynthesis.
Soil Formation: Lichens play a crucial role in building soil by breaking down rocks into smaller particles.
Feed for Insects: They are an important food source for some insects.
Bioindicators: Lichens serve as natural bioindicators, meaning their presence or absence can indicate environmental health, especially air quality.
The discovery of Allographa effusosoredica underscores the biological richness of the Western Ghats and adds to the growing catalog of India's lichen diversity. It also emphasizes the importance of advanced molecular techniques in uncovering hidden biodiversity and broadens our understanding of lichen-algal symbiosis in tropical ecosystems.
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