Allographa effusosoredica Latest News
Recently, a team of Indian scientists has uncovered a previously unknown species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica, from the richly biodiverse Western Ghats.
About Allographa effusosoredica
- It is crustose lichen with striking effuse soredia and comparably rare chemical traits.
- It harboures chemical called norstictic acid which is considered rare in comparison to other morphologically similar species within the genus Allographa.
- It was studied in detail using morphological, chemical and advanced molecular techniques.
- This integrative approach also unveiled its algal partner, a Trentepohlia species, adding to the sparse but growing understanding of photobiont diversity in tropical lichens.
- This is the first Indian species of Allographa ever sequenced from India.
- It also sheds light on lichen-algal symbiosis, reinforcing the concept of locally adapted photobionts.
- Allographa effusosoredica becomes the 53rd species from the genus reported from India and the 22nd from the Western Ghats alone.
What are Lichens?
- Lichens are not just one organism but two (sometimes more) living in intimate symbiosis: a fungus that offers structure and protection, and a photobiont (usually a green alga or cyanobacterium) that captures sunlight and makes food.
- Ecological Significance: Lichens play critical roles in ecosystems, building soil, feeding insects and serving as nature’s bioindicators.
Source: PIB
Allographa effusosoredica FAQs
Q1: Is lichen a symbiotic relationship?
Ans: Lichens are commonly recognized as a symbiotic association of a fungus and a chlorophyll containing partner, either green algae or cyanobacteria, or both.
Q2: What is meant by symbiotic relationship?
Ans: A symbiotic relationship is an ongoing interaction between organisms of different species.
