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Contrasting Patterns of Climatic Niche Divergence in Trebouxia—A Clade of Lichen-Forming Algae

Authors :
Matthew P. Nelsen
Steven D. Leavitt
Kathleen Heller
Lucia Muggia
H. Thorsten Lumbsch
Nelsen, Mp
Leavitt, Sd
Heller, K
Muggia, L
Lumbsch, Ht
Source :
Frontiers in Microbiology, Vol 13 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
Frontiers Media SA, 2022.

Abstract

Lichen associations are overwhelmingly supported by carbon produced by photosynthetic algal symbionts. These algae have diversified to occupy nearly all climates and continents; however, we have a limited understanding of how their climatic niches have evolved through time. Here we extend previous work and ask whether phylogenetic signal in, and the evolution of, climatic niche, varies across climatic variables, phylogenetic scales, and among algal lineages in Trebouxia—the most common genus of lichen-forming algae. Our analyses reveal heterogeneous levels of phylogenetic signal across variables, and that contrasting models of evolution underlie the evolution of climatic niche divergence. Together these analyses demonstrate the variable processes responsible for shaping climatic tolerance in Trebouxia, and provide a framework within which to better understand potential responses to climate change-associated perturbations. Such predictions reveal a disturbing trend in which the pace at which modern climate change is proceeding will vastly exceed the rate at which Trebouxia climatic niches have previously evolved.

Details

ISSN :
1664302X
Volume :
13
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Frontiers in Microbiology
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....db58890ec3f027c8305c9a4eeb07aa05
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.791546