Distribution patterns of haplotypes for symbionts from Umbilicaria esculenta and U. muehlenbergii reflect the importance of reproductive strategy in shaping population genetic structure

• DOI: 10.1186/s12866-015-0527-0
• Publication Date: 2015-10-15T14:00:05Z
• Authors: Shunan Cao; Fang Zhang; Chuanpeng Liu; Zhihua Hao; Yuan Tian; Lingxiang Zhu; Qiming Zhou
• Keywords: Entomology; Population Genetics

The diversity of lichen fungal components and their photosynthetic partners reflects both ecological evolutionary factors. In present study, molecular investigations the internal transcribed spacer nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS nrDNA) region were conducted to analyze genetic Umbilicaria esculenta U. muehlenbergii together with associated green algae. It was here demonstrated that reproductive strategy is a principal reason for selectivity muehlenbergii, which disperses via sexual spores, exhibits lower its than esculenta, has vegetative strategy. difference genotypic (both algal) between these two species low, although nucleotide can vary greatly. study illustrates lichen-forming fungi strategies are less selective respect photobionts; reveals reproduction allow lichens generate similar amounts adapt environments. current will be helpful elucidating how different changing