Diversity of fungal and algal communities associated to Mediterranean centered lichens at ecological and spacial levels (VEGA 2/0054/21), years 2021-2024)
PI Anna Bérešová
Using model species, we demonstrated that symbiotic organisms are closely linked to the geographic region of the Mediterranean. Their distribution precisely reflects the climatic stability and boundaries of this biome. Habitat suitability models showed that lichens do not exhibit significant range shifts, even under climate change scenarios.
Despite having similar climatic niches, taxa differ in their microhabitat preferences. The diversity of the local environment and complex microtopography allow them to persist even under projected future climate changes.
Our work represents the first systematic study demonstrating the indicative potential of lichens in defining the boundaries of the Mediterranean biome. Indicator OTU units for photobiont taxa and associated fungi (based on relative abundances in metagenomic data) revealed differentiation in terms of the evolutionary history of lichens (mycobionts) – both in terms of species affiliation and ecological preferences (geology). Certain photobiont and fungal lineages more strongly indicate specific climatic and geographic regions.
Through metagenomic barcoding, we discovered that the diversity of associated organisms in lichens differentiates species from ultramafic and limestone substrates, correlating with their evolutionary history and ecology. This diversity exhibits certain, though not very pronounced, geographical patterns.
We also discovered two new species of lichenicolous fungi previously unknown to science.