Lichen DNA: Solving a Global Migration Puzzle – Citizen Science, Adventure Science
Science Project for Hikers and Mountaineers worldwide, sub-alpine zones
Like lichen? Help solve a global puzzle!
Lichens are composite organisms involving a symbiotic relationship between fungus and algae. Lichens are very important members of an ecosystem, but their life cycle and biology remains poorly understood. Thamnolia vermicularis lichen grows all over the world in alpine and arctic environments, but has not yet been discovered in Africa or Antarctica – despite that there is no reason it should not grow there. Because this is an asexual species, its wide distribution is a mystery among biologists. Some consider this lichen a very old species dating from Permian-Triassic, when the Pangea continent still existed. Others think it may be spread by birds or air currents. In the lichen science world, this dispute is quite intense. By extracting DNA from lichen samples from around the world, the scientist will be able to build a phylogenetic tree and solve this mystery. The results of this genetic investigation will also deepen scientists’ and conservationists’ understanding of lichen migration patterns and biology.
Lichens are composite organisms involving a symbiotic relationship between fungus and algae. Lichens are very important members of an ecosystem, but their life cycle and biology remains poorly understood. Thamnolia vermicularis lichen grows all over the world in alpine and arctic environments, but has not yet been discovered in Africa or Antarctica – despite that there is no reason it should not grow there. Because this is an asexual species, its wide distribution is a mystery among biologists. Some consider this lichen a very old species dating from Permian-Triassic, when the Pangea continent still existed. Others think it may be spread by birds or air currents. In the lichen science world, this dispute is quite intense. By extracting DNA from lichen samples from around the world, the scientist will be able to build a phylogenetic tree and solve this mystery. The results of this genetic investigation will also deepen scientists’ and conservationists’ understanding of lichen migration patterns and biology.
How Can You Participate?
Any adventurer who reaches a mountain top or travels through tundra and sees Thamnolia can collect samples. This species of lichen is easy to recognize, so you are unlikely to confuse it with something else. It grows on the ground, is quite big (2-5 cm long), and looks like very dry, thick white straws. Through this project, you could be the first one to discover Thamnolia vermicularis lichen in Africa or Antarctica!